Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 socket: LGA 775
The Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 65 W dual-core Wolfdale desktop part at 3.16 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache for fast towers.
- Socket
- LGA 775
- Launched
- January 2008
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Wolfdale
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Clocks
- 3.16 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Wolfdale cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.16 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 6 MB shared L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 and DDR3 through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 1333 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen 2 from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA 775 |
| Core voltage | 1.225 V |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 needs a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Intel 4 series | X48, P45, G45, G41 | Works out of the box |
| Intel 3 series | X38, P35, G33, G31 | Needs a BIOS update 45 nm Wolfdale parts boot on 3 series boards that list them, after a BIOS update. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 775.
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 Core 2 Duo E8500 is
The Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 is a 3.16 GHz fast dual core from the January 2008 Wolfdale launch wave. It runs two Wolfdale cores at 3.16 GHz with no turbo, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 6 MB of shared L2 on a 45 nm process. Power is rated at 65 W on LGA 775.
The E8500 led the first Wolfdale wave at 1.225 V on a 1333 MT/s bus, with EM64T, SSE through SSE4.1, SpeedStep, C1E and Execute Disable. It exists because Intel broke the 3.0 GHz wall for mainstream dual cores while holding power at 65 W.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The E8500 drops into LGA 775 boards with DDR2 or DDR3 memory and a BIOS that lists early-2008 Wolfdale parts, such as G33, P35 and X38 boards. It pairs with mainstream and high-end 3 series chipsets. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR2 and DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.
A 1333 MT/s front side bus ties the CPU to the chipset. PCIe Gen 2 slots hang off the chipset.
Cooling is any 65 W rated LGA 775 heatsink on the 72.5 × 72.5 mm mount, with Enhanced SpeedStep trimming draw at idle.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 775 the upgrade is the Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 at 3.333 GHz within the 6 MB line. The Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 at 3.0 GHz is the cheaper 6 MB option. Beyond LGA 775 a move to a newer platform needs a new board and memory.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core 2 Duo E8500 use?
LGA 775, on DDR2 or DDR3 boards with a Core 2-aware BIOS.
How many cores does the Core 2 Duo E8500 have?
Two cores and 2 threads at 3.16 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache.
What memory works with the Core 2 Duo E8500?
DDR2 and DDR3 through the board chipset in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .