Intel Core i7-965 socket: LGA 1366
The Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition uses the LGA 1366 socket. It is an unlocked 130 W quad-core Bloomfield desktop part at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1366
- Launched
- November 2008
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 130 W
- Codename
- Bloomfield
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.2 / 3.47 GHz
Intel Core i7-965 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Bloomfield cores on 45 nm |
| Clocks | 3.2 GHz base, 3.466 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 256 KB L2 per core, 8 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 45 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-800/1066, three channels |
| QuickPath | 6.4 GT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0, 36 lanes from the X58 chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Extreme Edition) |
| Package | LGA 1366 |
| Core voltage | 1.05 to 1.25 V |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-965 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1366 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| X58 enthusiast | X58 | 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 1366.
LGA 1366 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,366 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | 2008 |
| Memory | DDR3 triple channel, up to 24 GB on desktop boards |
| Cooler mounting holes | 80 × 80 mm |
What the Core i7-965 is
The Intel Core i7-965 Extreme Edition is an unlocked 3.2 GHz quad-core desktop processor from November 17, 2008. It runs four Nehalem cores at 3.2 GHz with Hyper-Threading for 8 threads, and Turbo Boost raises one active core to 3.467 GHz. Cache is 256 KB of L2 per core under a shared 8 MB L3 on a 45 nm process with 731 million transistors. Power is rated at 130 W on LGA 1366.
The 965 Extreme tops the Nehalem launch with separate unlocked multipliers for cores and memory on a 24x multiplier, a 6.4 GT/s QuickPath link and triple-channel DDR3-800/1066 at 1.05 to 1.25 V. The die measures 263 mm². It exists because enthusiasts wanted the fastest binned Nehalem with tuning headroom.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The i7-965 drops into LGA 1366 desktop boards with X58 chipsets and triple-channel DDR3 slots, ideally an overclocking-friendly board with voltage control. It pairs with first-wave X58 boards contemporary with the November 2008 launch. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-800/1066 in three channels through the on-die controller, with separate unlocked memory multipliers.
QuickPath at 6.4 GT/s ties the CPU to the X58 chipset. PCIe 2.0 lanes with 36 total hang off the chipset.
Cooling should be a tower heatsink rated above 130 W on the LGA 1366 mount, since tuned voltages push heat past stock levels.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1366 the i7-965 is the launch ceiling, so the moves are the Intel Core i7-940 at 2.933 GHz locked for a cheaper fast quad, or the Intel Core i7-920 at 2.66 GHz. The Intel Xeon W3570 at 3.2 GHz is the workstation twin with ECC support. Beyond LGA 1366 a move to a newer platform needs a new board and memory.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-965 use?
LGA 1366, on X58 desktop boards with triple-channel DDR3.
How many cores does the Core i7-965 have?
Four cores and 8 threads at 3.2 GHz base with 3.466 GHz turbo.
Is the Core i7-965 unlocked?
Yes, Extreme Edition means unlocked core and memory multipliers for overclocking.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .