Intel · Core

Core i7-950

Released June 2009

A four-core Bloomfield desktop processor with Hyper-Threading, an LGA1366 socket and three-channel DDR3 memory.

Cores: 4/8
Boost: 3.33 GHz
L3: 8 MB
Power: 130 W
Socket: LGA1366

What reviewers say

Reviews found strong performance but small gaming gains over cheaper alternatives. PC Games Hardware preferred the i7-920 at launch prices. After the 2010 price cut, bit-tech considered the 950 good value, with modest stock-speed gains over the 930; its sample needed more voltage to overclock and did not outperform an equally overclocked 930.

From bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net, bit-tech.net and pcgameshardware.de

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 4
Threads: 8
Base clock: 3.06 GHz
Boost clock: 3.33 GHz
L3 cache: 8 MB
Cores: Four cores and eight threads with Hyper-Threading. Optional multiplier status is omitted because the maker sources read do not publish it.
Clocks: 3.06 GHz base and up to 3.33 GHz Turbo Boost. Intel's comparison chart gives Q2 2009; the June on-sale month is supported by AKIBA PC Hotline's contemporary 3 June retail-sale confirmation. An exact maker sale notice was not found.
Cache: 8 MB shared L3 cache.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: No
Graphics: Intel's exact-model comparison chart lists no processor graphics.

Platform

Socket: LGA1366
Base power: 130 W
Cooler in the box: Yes
Memory support: Three channels of DDR3-800 or DDR3-1066; up to 24 GB in Intel's 45 nm Core i7-900 datasheet. Faster memory used by reviews is not the maker's rated limit.
Process: 45 nm; Bloomfield.
Cooler: Intel's boxed-processor datasheet includes an unattached fan and heatsink. An LGA1366 motherboard is required.

Pros and cons

Pros

Eight simultaneous threads
Three-channel DDR3 memory
Turbo Boost

Cons

No integrated graphics
130 W thermal design power
Requires an LGA1366 motherboard

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i7-960	4/8	3.46 GHz	8 MB	130 W	LGA1366	Oct 2009
IntelCore i5-750	4/4	3.2 GHz	8 MB	95 W	LGA1156	Sept 2009
IntelCore i7-860	4/8	3.46 GHz	8 MB	95 W	LGA1156	Sept 2009

Sources

Photo: Newegg's exact BX80601950 listing; original Core i7-950 retail box with visible model label.

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