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Can I update my Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor?
It depends. The first thing you need to do is check is that the socket of your desktop board supports your processor package type. The best place to find this information is from your desktop board manufacturer. Once you find your desktop board model number, go to the appropriate support page on the manufacturer support site and it will usually list supported processors for your board. For Intel® desktop boards, go to the Intel® Processors and Boards Compatibility Tool to see if your board supports your new processor.
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What sockets do the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors use?
The Intel® Core™ i7-9xx processor series feature a LGA1366 socket
The Intel® Core™ i7-8xx processor series feature a LGA1156 socket
The Intel® Core™ i7-2xxx processor series and the i7-37xx processor series feature a LGA1155 socket
The Intel® Core™ i7-3xxx processor series feature a LGA2011 socket
Because of the socket size differences between these processors, the processors and boxed fan-heatsink are not compatible with each other and do not work in a socket they were not designed for. The one exception is the fan-heatsinks for the LGA1155 and LGA1156, which are compatible if the processor thermal and power requirements are the same for the processor.
Intel® LGA1155-based desktop processors, Intel® LGA1156-based desktop processors, Intel® LGA1366-based, and Intel® LGA2011-based desktop processors are not compatible due to socket and processor mechanical and electrical differences.
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What are the compatibility concerns for Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors that use the LGA1155 socket?
The Intel® Core™ i7-2xxx desktop processors use a chipset based on the Intel® 6 Series chipsets, while the Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx desktop processors use a chipset based on the Intel® 7 Series chipsets. These processors are backward and forward compatible with some notable exceptions.
Intel® recommends that you check with the manufacturer of the desktop board you are using to see if it supports the processor you want to use. Once you know the desktop board model number you are using or are going to purchase, go to the appropriate support page on the manufacturer support page and it will usually list supported processors for your board.
If you are installing an Intel® Core™ i7-3xxx processor into a desktop board based on the Intel® 6 series chipset you may need an updated BIOS, ME8 firmware, and drivers. Always check with your desktop board manufacturer for supported processors and the recommended update process. Be aware that some boards have been revised to include the necessary support for these processors and some haven't. Here is a document that shows the update process for Intel® desktop boards based on the Intel® 6 series chipset that require updating. Updating the BIOS on 6 Series chipset desktop boards
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Do the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors include processor graphics?
The second generation Intel® Core™ i7-2xxx processor series support Intel® HD Graphics 2000 or Intel® HD Graphics 3000. The third generation Intel® Core™ i7-37xx processor series support Intel® HD Graphics 2500 or Intel® HD Graphics 4000.
The Intel® Core™ i7-8xx processor series, the Intel® Core™ i7-9xx processor series, and the Intel® Core™ i7-3xxx processor series (LGA2011 socket) do not support processor graphics.
For more information, see Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors that contain Intel® HD Graphics.
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What are the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor DDR3 memory voltage limitations?
Intel® recommends using memory that adheres to the Jedec memory specification for DDR3 memory which is 1.5 volts, plus or minus 5%. Anything more than this voltage can damage the processor or significantly reduce the processor life span.
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What is the maximum frequency for DDR3 memory for the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors?
The Intel® Core™ i7-3xxx processor series support four channels of DDR3 memory with a maximum frequency of 1600 MHz. The Intel® Core™ i7 37xx processor series supports 2 channels of DDR3 memory with a maximum speed of 1600 MHz. The Intel® Core™ i7-8xx processor series and Intel® Core™ i7-2xxx processor series support three channels of DDR3 memory with a maximum frequency of 1333 MHz. The Intel® Core™ i7-9xx processor series support three channels of DDR3 memory with a maximum frequency of 1066 MHz. If faster DDR3 memory is used, it will be down-clocked to operate at the maximum frequency.
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What is the difference between this version of Intel® Hyper-threading and the original version?
This version supports two threads per core for a total of four or eight threads, depending on the number of processor cores. The original implementation of Hyper-threading supported two threads since they were single core processors.
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Do the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors support Intel® Turbo Boost Technology?
All Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors support Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. For more information, see Intel® Turbo Boost Technology frequently asked questions.
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Are there any new chassis requirements for the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor platform?
There are no new chassis requirements for the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor platform. See the Intel® tested chassis list for a list of compatible chassis. The use of a Thermally Advantaged Chassis (TAC) is still highly recommended.
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Does the Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processor support Error Correction Code (ECC) memory?
The Intel® Core™ i7 desktop processors and desktop boards typically do not support ECC memory. ECC memory is usually used on servers and workstations, rather than on desktop platforms. This is mainly due to the price premium of ECC memory and chipset support. Check with your desktop board manufacturer to see if ECC memory is enabled on your board.
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