Intel Pentium G6951 socket: LGA 1156

The Intel Pentium G6951 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 73 W dual core Clarkdale desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 3 MB of L3 cache for office towers.

Socket
LGA 1156
Launched
September 2010
Cores and threads
2 and 2
Base power
73 W
Codename
Clarkdale
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.8 GHz

Intel Pentium G6951 specifications

Cores2
Threads2
Core architectureClarkdale cores on 32 nm
Clocks2.8 GHz (no turbo)
Cache3 MB L3 (shared)
Processor base power (TDP)73 W
Manufacturing process32 nm CPU, 45 nm graphics
Memory supportDDR3-1066, two channels
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 x16 from the package
Integrated graphicsHD Graphics (on package)
MultiplierLocked
PackageLGA1156

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Pentium G6951 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
5 series with graphicsH55, H57, Q57Works out of the box
P55 performanceP55Works out of the box
Onboard video ports stay dark on P55. Use a separate graphics card.

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1156.

LGA 1156 at a glance

TypeLGA, 1,156 contacts
Package sizen/a
IntroducedSeptember 2009
MemoryDDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB
Cooler mounting holes75 × 75 mm

Read the full LGA 1156 socket guide

What the Pentium G6951 is

The Intel Pentium G6951 is a dual core Clarkdale desktop processor from September 2010. It runs two Westmere cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. The pair shares 3 MB of L3 cache on a 32 nm CPU die with a 45 nm graphics die. Power is rated at 73 W on LGA 1156.

The G6951 matches the January G6950 on clocks and cache as a later stepping refresh for system builders. Against the Celeron G1101 it adds clocks and cache at the same 73 W. HD Graphics on the package cover office displays.

Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels through the on package controller.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Pentium G6951 fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. H55, H57, Q57 and P55 boards boot Clarkdale natively with a 2010 BIOS.

The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Pentium G6950 page shows the launch twin.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 16 GB on common ATX models.

PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the package for discrete graphics.

Cooling is the stock 73 W LGA 1156 push pin sink.

Upgrade paths

On LGA 1156 the upgrade is a Core i3 with Hyper-Threading or a Core i5 with Turbo Boost on the same board. Beyond LGA 1156 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new board.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Pentium G6951 use?

LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.

How many cores does the Pentium G6951 have?

Two cores and two threads at 2.8 GHz with 3 MB of shared L3 cache.

What memory works with the Pentium G6951?

DDR3-1066 in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. Pentium (Wikipedia)
  2. Intel Pentium G6950 Specs (TechPowerUp)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .