Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 socket: LGA 775

The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 130 W unlocked quad-core Kentsfield desktop part at 2.667 GHz with 8 MB of L2 cache for enthusiast towers.

Socket
LGA 775
Launched
November 2006
Cores and threads
4 and 4
Base power
130 W
Codename
Kentsfield
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
2.67 GHz

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 specifications

Cores4
Threads4
Core architectureKentsfield XE cores on 65 nm
Clocks2.667 GHz (no turbo)
Cache8 MB L2 (2x4 MB)
Processor base power (TDP)130 W
Manufacturing process65 nm
Memory supportDDR2 through the board chipset
Front side bus1066 MT/s
PCI ExpressPCIe from the board chipset
Integrated graphicsNone (board video where fitted)
MultiplierUnlocked
PackageLGA 775

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 needs a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
Intel 4 seriesX48, P45, G45, G41Works out of the box
Intel 3 seriesX38, P35, G33, G31Works out of the box
Intel 965 and 975X975X, P965, G965, Q965Needs a BIOS update
Works only on boards whose BIOS and voltage regulator were designed for it. Check the board maker's CPU support list.

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

TypeLGA, 775 contacts
Package size37.5 × 37.5 mm
Introduced2004
MemoryDDR, DDR2 or DDR3, depending on the motherboard chipset
Cooler mounting holes72 × 72 mm

Read the full LGA 775 socket guide

What the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 is

The Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 is a 2.667 GHz unlocked desktop quad core from November 2006. It runs four Core cores at 2.667 GHz with no turbo, so 4 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 8 MB of L2 as two 4 MB dies on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 130 W on LGA 775.

The QX6700 opened the Kentsfield XE line on a 1066 MT/s bus with a 10x unlocked multiplier at about 999 dollars launch price. It exists because enthusiasts wanted the first multiplier-unlocked quad with the full 8 MB cache.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The QX6700 drops into LGA 775 enthusiast boards with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists late 2006 Extreme quads, 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 tower or high-end heatsink on the 72 mm mount, with Enhanced SpeedStep trimming draw at idle.

Upgrade paths

On LGA 775 the upgrade is the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 at 2.933 GHz in the same unlocked class, or the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 at 2.667 GHz for a locked lower cost quad. Beyond LGA 775 a move to a newer platform needs a new board and memory.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 use?

LGA 775, on enthusiast DDR2 boards with Extreme quad support.

How many cores does the Core 2 Extreme QX6700 have?

Four cores and 4 threads at 2.667 GHz with 8 MB of L2 cache and an unlocked multiplier.

What memory works with the Core 2 Extreme QX6700?

DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.

Sources and verification

  1. List of Intel Core desktop processors (Wikipedia)
  2. LGA 775 (Wikipedia)

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