Intel Pentium G6950 socket: LGA 1156
The Intel Pentium G6950 uses the LGA 1156 socket. It is a 73 W dual core Clarkdale desktop part at 2.8 GHz with 3 MB of L3 cache.
- Socket
- LGA 1156
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 73 W
- Codename
- Clarkdale
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.8 GHz
Intel Pentium G6950 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Clarkdale cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.8 GHz (no turbo, no Turbo Boost) |
| Cache | 3 MB L3 (shared) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 73 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm CPU, 45 nm graphics |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the package |
| Integrated graphics | HD Graphics (on package) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA1156 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium G6950 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 Onboard video ports stay dark on P55. Use a separate graphics card. |
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 Pentium G6950 is
The Intel Pentium G6950 is a dual core Clarkdale desktop processor that Intel launched in January 2010 with the Westmere refresh. It runs two cores at 2.8 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. The pair shares 3 MB of L3 cache on a 32 nm CPU die with a 45 nm graphics die. Power is rated at 73 W on LGA 1156.
The G6950 was the first Pentium of the Clarkdale line, pairing integrated graphics with an entry price at $87 MSRP. Against the Celeron G1101 it adds clocks and cache at the same 73 W. Against Core i3 parts it trails in threads without Hyper-Threading. A bit-tech review notes no Turbo Boost on this model.
Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels through the on package controller.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium G6950 fits LGA 1156 with 1156 lands. H55, H57, Q57 and P55 boards boot Clarkdale natively.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 16 GB on common ATX models.
PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the package for discrete graphics.
Cooling is the stock 73 W LGA 1156 push pin sink.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1156 the upgrade is a Core i3 with Hyper-Threading or a Core i5 with Turbo Boost on the same board. Beyond LGA 1156 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new board.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Pentium G6950 use?
LGA 1156, the 1156-land package on 5 series boards.
How many cores does the Pentium G6950 have?
Two cores and two threads at 2.8 GHz with 3 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Pentium G6950?
DDR3-1066 in two channels.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .