Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 955 socket: LGA 775
The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 955 uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 130 W unlocked dual-core Presler enthusiast part at 3.466 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L2 cache for flagship towers.
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 955 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Presler XE cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 3.466 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 4 MB L2 (2x2 MB) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 1066 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 955 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 955 is
The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 955 is a 3.466 GHz unlocked dual-core enthusiast processor from January 2006. It runs two NetBurst cores at 3.466 GHz with Hyper-Threading on both cores, so 2 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 4 MB of L2 as two 2 MB dies on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 130 W on LGA 775.
The EE 955 brought the Extreme line to 65 nm Presler on a 1066 MT/s bus with a 13x unlocked multiplier at about 999 dollars launch price. The table January 2006 date is used here against December 2005 in cpu_list. It exists because enthusiasts wanted an unlocked multiplier with threads on both cores and 4 MB of cache.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The EE 955 drops into LGA 775 enthusiast boards with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists Presler Extreme parts on 1066 MT/s, such as 975X 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.
A 1066 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 Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 965 at 3.733 GHz in the same unlocked class, or the Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 at 3.2 GHz for 90 nm Smithfield. 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 955 use?
LGA 775, on enthusiast DDR2 boards with Presler Extreme support on 1066 MT/s.
How many cores does the Pentium Extreme Edition 955 have?
Two cores and 4 threads at 3.466 GHz with Hyper-Threading on both cores and 4 MB of L2 cache.
What memory works with the Pentium Extreme Edition 955?
DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .