Intel Pentium G870 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Pentium G870 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 3.1 GHz.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- June 2012
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 3.1 GHz
Intel Pentium G870 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.1 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics (850 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium G870 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Pentium G870 is
Intel Pentium G870 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in June 2012 as the fastest Sandy Pentium of the generation. It runs at a fixed 3.1 GHz with no turbo, with 3 MB Intel Smart Cache and 2 threads. Power is rated at 65 W on a 32 nm process. High fixed clocks suit office tasks that never scale beyond two threads.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for 2nd Gen at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block covers office monitors and video without a card. The controller takes DDR3 at 1066 or 1333 MT/s, which is wider than the 1066 only value Pentiums.
Towers pair it with B75 or H77 boards, 4 GB to 8 GB of DDR3 and an SSD for a fast office desk. Fixed 3.1 GHz clocks keep single thread response direct. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm the socket in a used tower.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium G870 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Both 6 series and 7 series boards boot Sandy Bridge directly, so H61, B75, H77, Z77 and business chipsets all work. No update is needed for Sandy parts.
At 65 W standard desktop boards with stock cooling cover it. Display outputs decide board choice for the HD Graphics block. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. Two matched DIMMs help the shared graphics block. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. Most builds stay on integrated graphics for office displays.
Cooling follows the 65 W desktop pattern with a stock push pin heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the Pentium G870 can move to Core i3 parts with Hyper-Threading or quad i5 and i7 chips on the same board. Ivy models need a current BIOS. Memory and storage carry over. A slower Pentium reference is Intel Pentium G640.
A platform move to DDR4 boards such as LGA 1200 needs a new board and RAM. Keep the G870 tower for office work where dual Sandy cores at 3.1 GHz still feel quick.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium G870 use?
It uses LGA 1155. Both 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
Does the Pentium G870 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 3.1 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium G870 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB.
Is the Pentium G870 unlocked?
No. The multiplier is locked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .