Lynnfield (microprocessor)
Intel's quad-core Nehalem processor for LGA 1156 systems.
Lynnfield is the code name for a quad-core processor Intel launched in September 2009. It appears in several product lines: Core i5-7xx, Core i7-8xx, and Xeon X34xx. Built on the Nehalem microarchitecture and a 45 nm manufacturing process, it succeeds the Penryn-based Wolfdale and Yorkfield chips, introducing a redesigned memory and bus interface. Its product code is 80605, and its CPUID identifies it as family 6, model 30 (0106Ex).
Lynnfield is related to the earlier Bloomfield and Gainestown processors, which target servers and high-end desktops. The key difference is that Lynnfield uses the LGA 1156 socket, while Bloomfield and Gainestown use LGA 1366. With LGA 1156, the processor integrates Direct Media Interface and PCI Express links—functions previously handled by a separate northbridge chip (the memory controller hub or I/O hub).
The Lynnfield series lacks built-in Intel graphics. Its mobile counterpart is Clarksfield. A planned dual-core version, Havendale, was canceled in favor of Clarkdale.
Quick Facts
- Produced-Start
- 2009
- Slowest
- 2.40
- Fastest
- 3.73
- Soldby
- Intel
- Arch
- x86, x86-64, MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Lynnfield was sold in varying configurations as Core i5-7xx, Core i7-8xx, or Xeon X34xx. It is related to the earlier Bloomfield and Gainestown microprocessors used in server and high-end desktop systems, but differs primarily in its use of the LGA 1156 socket instead of the LGA 1366 socket. The LGA 1156 processors integrate Direct Media Interface and PCI Express links, which Intel had previously connected to the processor with a dedicated northbridge chip called the memory controller hub or I/O hub. Lynnfield does not include built-in Intel graphics. The mobile version of Lynnfield is Clarksfield; a dual-core version, Havendale, was cancelled in favor of Clarkdale.
Reader's Guide
Lynnfield represents a significant shift in Intel's desktop processor design by moving the memory controller and PCI Express controller onto the processor die, eliminating the need for a separate northbridge chip. This integration, enabled by the Nehalem microarchitecture and the LGA 1156 socket, reduced system complexity and latency for mainstream users. Although Lynnfield itself did not include integrated graphics, its architecture paved the way for later processors that would. Its replacement of the earlier Penryn-based Wolfdale and Yorkfield processors marked the transition to a unified memory architecture across Intel's desktop lineup. The cancellation of the dual-core Havendale in favor of Clarkdale further indicates Intel's strategic pivot toward integrating graphics on the CPU package in subsequent generations.
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