Intel Core i7-920XM socket: Socket G1
The Intel Core i7-920XM uses the Socket G1 socket. It is a 55 W quad core Clarksfield Extreme mobile part at 2.0 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.2 GHz, Hyper-Threading, 8 MB of L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier.
- Socket
- Socket G1
- Launched
- September 23, 2009
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 55 W
- Codename
- Clarksfield
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 3.2 GHz
Intel Core i7-920XM specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Clarksfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, 3.2 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 1 MB L2 (4 × 256 KB), 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 55 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1333, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | None (discrete graphics) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Extreme Edition) |
| Package | Socket G1 (PGA988, 988 pins) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-920XM needs a motherboard with a Socket G1 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket G1 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket G1 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 988 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core i7-920XM is
The Intel Core i7-920XM is a quad core Clarksfield Extreme mobile processor that Intel launched on September 23, 2009 at 2.0 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.2 GHz. Hyper-Threading gives eight threads from four Nehalem cores, backed by 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 55 W on a 45 nm process with 774 million transistors.
The 920XM was the launch Extreme mobile with an unlocked multiplier at $1054 MSRP. Notebook benchmarks call it the fastest 2009 laptop processor with turbo to 3.2 GHz. Against the 820QM it adds base speed and tuning headroom at 10 W more.
There is no graphics on Clarksfield. Display comes from discrete mobile graphics.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-920XM fits Socket G1 with 988 pins. PM55, HM55, QM57 and HM57 boards with Extreme firmware boot it directly.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i7-940XM page shows the faster Extreme successor.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 8 GB.
PCIe Gen 2 x16 comes from the CPU package.
Cooling needs a top vendor assembly rated for 55 W with dual fans on most designs.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G1 the upgrade is the 940XM Extreme on the same board. Beyond Socket G1 a move to Sandy Bridge quad needs a new notebook.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-920XM use?
Socket G1, the 988-pin package on boards with Extreme firmware.
How many cores does the Core i7-920XM have?
Four cores and eight threads at 2.0 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.2 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i7-920XM?
DDR3-1333 in two channels up to 8 GB.
Can the Core i7-920XM be overclocked?
Yes. Extreme Edition means the multiplier is unlocked.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .