Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 965 socket: LGA 775
The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 965 uses the LGA 775 socket. It is a 130 W unlocked dual-core Presler enthusiast part at 3.733 GHz with Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L2 cache for flagship towers.
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 965 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Presler XE cores on 65 nm |
| Clocks | 3.733 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 4 MB L2 (2x2 MB) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 130 W |
| Manufacturing process | 65 nm |
| Memory support | DDR2 through the board chipset |
| Front side bus | 1066 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe from the board chipset |
| Integrated graphics | None (board video where fitted) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | LGA 775 |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 965 needs a motherboard with a LGA 775 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the LGA 775 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
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 Pentium Extreme Edition 965 is
The Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 965 is a 3.733 GHz unlocked dual-core enthusiast processor from March 2006. It runs two NetBurst cores at 3.733 GHz with Hyper-Threading on both cores, so 2 cores give 4 threads. Cache is 4 MB of L2 as two 2 MB dies on a 65 nm process. Power is rated at 130 W on LGA 775.
The 965 topped the NetBurst desktop line on a 1066 MT/s bus with a 14x unlocked multiplier. It exists because enthusiasts wanted an unlocked multiplier with threads on both cores and the full 4 MB cache at the fastest Presler clocks.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 965 drops into LGA 775 enthusiast boards with DDR2 memory and a BIOS that lists Presler Extreme parts on 1066 MT/s, 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 heatsink on the 72 mm mount.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 775 the upgrade is Core 2 Duo such as the Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 at 2.133 GHz with far lower power on the same boards where the BIOS lists Conroe, or the Intel Pentium D 960 at 3.6 GHz for a locked lower cost dual core. Beyond LGA 775 a move to a newer platform needs a new board and memory.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 use?
LGA 775, on enthusiast DDR2 boards with Presler Extreme support on 1066 MT/s.
How many cores does the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 have?
Two cores and 4 threads at 3.733 GHz with Hyper-Threading on both cores and 4 MB of L2 cache.
What memory works with the Pentium Extreme Edition 965?
DDR2 through the board chipset in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .