Intel Core i7-860 socket: LGA 1156
The Intel Core i7-860 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 95 W quad core Lynnfield desktop part at 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1156
- Launched
- September 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Lynnfield
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 2.8 / 3.47 GHz
Intel Core i7-860 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Lynnfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz base, 3.466 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None (discrete graphics) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1156 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-860 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 |
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 Core i7-860 is
The Intel Core i7-860 is a quad core Lynnfield desktop processor from September 2009. It runs four Nehalem cores at 2.8 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with Hyper-Threading for eight threads. Each core carries 256 KB of L2 cache with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 95 W on a 45 nm process.
The 860 was the launch Lynnfield i7 that reviewers called the processor of choice over the i7-870 on value. Board lists confirm 2.8 GHz with 8 MB on LGA 1156. Against the i5-750 it adds Hyper-Threading for threaded rendering.
There is no graphics on Lynnfield. Display needs a discrete card.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-860 fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. P55, H55 and H57 boards boot Lynnfield natively with a late 2009 BIOS.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Pentium G6950 page shows a dual core alternative.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 16 GB.
PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the CPU package.
Cooling is a tower rated for 95 W on the 75 × 75 mm pattern.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1156 the upgrade is the 870 or 880 on the same board. Beyond LGA 1156 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-860 use?
LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.
How many cores does the Core i7-860 have?
Four cores and eight threads at 2.8 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.466 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i7-860?
DDR3-1333 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .