Intel Pentium G860 socket: LGA 1155
The Intel Pentium G860 uses the LGA 1155 socket. It is a 65 W dual core Sandy Bridge desktop part at 3.0 GHz, the fastest early Sandy Pentium covered here.
- Socket
- LGA 1155
- Launched
- September 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 3.0 GHz
Intel Pentium G860 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 3 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics (850 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1155 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Pentium G860 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1155 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 7 series | Z77, Z75, H77, B75, Q77, Q75 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series: H61, H67, P67, Z68 | Z68, P67, H67, H61 | Works out of the box |
| 6 series business: B65, Q65, Q67 | Q67, Q65, B65 | 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 1155.
LGA 1155 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,155 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Pentium G860 is
Intel Pentium G860 is a dual core Sandy Bridge desktop processor that Intel released in September 2011 for budget towers. It runs at a fixed 3.0 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 3 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 65 W on a 32 nm process with a 131 mm2 die.
The 3.0 GHz mark made the G860 the fastest of the early Sandy Pentium G parts. Single threaded office tasks respond well. It still lacks extra threads, so a Core i3 pulls ahead in multitasking.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 850 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block covers dual office monitors through board outputs. Memory is DDR3 in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium G860 fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. Every 6 series and 7 series board boots Sandy duals directly. H61 and B75 suit office builds, while P67 and Z series add tuning that this locked part does not use.
Check that the board exposes the display outputs needed for the integrated block. P67 boards skip onboard video entirely. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide details that split.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB. Retail boards commonly run DDR3-1333 with this chip. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. A basic discrete card can add outputs or 3D speed where needed.
Cooling is the stock 65 W heatsink on 75 × 75 mm spacing. Aftermarket towers for this pattern are common and quiet.
Upgrade paths
On LGA 1155 the G860 sits at the top of the early Pentium clocks, so the next step is a Core i3 for threads or a Core i5 for quad cores. DDR3 and drives carry over. A low power Pentium alternative on the same socket is Intel Pentium G860T.
A move to a DDR4 platform needs a new board and RAM. Keep the G860 tower for office spare use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium G860 use?
It uses LGA 1155. All 6 series and 7 series boards boot it directly.
How is the Pentium G860 different from the G850?
The G860 runs at 3.0 GHz. The G850 runs at 2.9 GHz. Other specs match.
What memory does the Pentium G860 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 32 GB.
What is the upgrade path from a Pentium G860?
A Core i3 for Hyper-Threading or a Core i5 for quad cores on the same board.
Sources and verification
- Intel Pentium G860 (CPU Grade, 3.0 GHz, 65 W, LGA1155, September 2011, 850 to 1100 MHz)
- Intel Pentium G860 3.0 GHz 2 cores 65 W FCLGA1155 (PassMark)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .