Intel Pentium G6960 socket: LGA 1156
The Intel Pentium G6960 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 73 W dual core Clarkdale desktop part at 2.93 GHz for budget towers.
- Socket
- LGA 1156
- Launched
- January 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 73 W
- Codename
- Clarkdale
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.93 GHz
Intel Pentium G6960 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Clarkdale cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.93 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 73 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics (533 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1156 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium G6960 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1156 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 5 series with graphics | H55, H57, Q57 | Works out of the box |
| P55 performance | P55 | Works 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
| Type | LGA, 1,156 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Pentium G6960 is
Intel Pentium G6960 is a dual core Clarkdale desktop processor that Intel released in January 2011 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 2.93 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 3 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 73 W on a 32 nm process with a separate 45 nm graphics die on the package.
The G6960 was the fastest of the Clarkdale Pentium G parts on clocks. Office suites and browsing run smoothly at 2.93 GHz. It lacks threads for heavy multitasking.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics at 533 MHz. The block runs office monitors at native resolution through H55, H57 or Q57 board outputs. A discrete card is only needed for extra outputs.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium G6960 fits LGA 1156 in FCLGA1156 form. H55, H57 and Q57 boards show video from board outputs, while P55 runs the chip with a separate card. No BIOS step is needed on 5 series boards.
Check that the board exposes the display outputs needed for the integrated block. P55 boards skip onboard video entirely. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide details that split.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 16 GB. A matched 2 by 2 GB kit suits most G6960 towers. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. The slot can take a basic card for extra outputs.
Cooling is the standard 73 W heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing. Replacement coolers for this pattern remain easy to find.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1156 the G6960 can move to a Core i3 500 series part for Hyper-Threading on the same board. Storage and DDR3 carry over. A same socket Celeron reference is the G1101 class.
A move to a DDR4 board such as LGA 1200 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the G6960 tower for lab use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium G6960 use?
It uses LGA 1156. H55, H57 and Q57 show video, while P55 needs a separate card.
Does the Pentium G6960 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.93 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium G6960 use?
DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Is the Pentium G6960 unlocked?
No. The multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
- Westmere (Wikipedia, Pentium G6960 533 MHz DDR3-1066 3MB Jan 2011)
- LGA 1156 guide (Pentium G6960 2.93 GHz HD Graphics 73 W DDR3-1066)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .