Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 socket: LGA 775
The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 130 W unlocked dual-core Smithfield enthusiast part at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 2 MB of L2 cache for flagship towers.
- Socket
- LGA 775
- Launched
- April 2005
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Smithfield
- Segment
- Desktop
- Clocks
- 3.2 GHz
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Smithfield XE cores on 90 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB L2 (2x1 MB) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 90 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 800 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | LGA 775 |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 needs a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the LGA 775 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
LGA 775 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 775 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | 2004 |
| Memory | DDR, DDR2 or DDR3, depending on the motherboard chipset |
| Cooler mounting holes | 72 × 72 mm |
What the Pentium Extreme Edition 840 is
The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 is a 3.2 GHz unlocked dual-core enthusiast processor from April 2005. It runs two NetBurst cores at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading on both cores, so 2 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 2 MB of L2 as two 1 MB dies on a 90 nm process. Power is rated at 130 W on LGA 775.
The EE 840 opened the Pentium Extreme line on an 800 MT/s bus with a 16x unlocked multiplier at about 999 dollars launch price. It exists because enthusiasts wanted an unlocked multiplier with threads on both cores, the only Smithfield with Hyper-Threading.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The EE 840 drops into LGA 775 enthusiast boards with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists Smithfield Extreme parts, such as 955X boards. Boards need voltage regulator support for the 130 W envelope. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.
An 800 MT/s front side bus ties the CPU to the chipset. PCIe slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is a 130 W rated LGA 775 heatsink on the 72 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 775 the upgrade is the Pentium Extreme Edition 955 at 3.466 GHz with 4 MB of cache on 65 nm, or the Intel Pentium D 840 at 3.2 GHz for a locked lower cost dual core. Beyond LGA 775 a move to a newer platform needs a new board and memory.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Pentium Extreme Edition 840 use?
LGA 775, on enthusiast DDR2 boards with Smithfield Extreme support.
How many cores does the Pentium Extreme Edition 840 have?
Two cores and 4 threads at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading on both cores and 2 MB of L2 cache.
What memory works with the Pentium Extreme Edition 840?
DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .