Quick Verdict
The ultimate Lynnfield chip with the highest stock clocks, though overshadowed by the 875K and obsolete today.
Overview
Launch
May 30th, 2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i7 (Lynnfield)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-880 is a high-end desktop processor launched in May 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. It represents the highest bin of the Lynnfield silicon, operating at a base frequency of 3.066 GHz and boosting up to 3.733 GHz via Turbo Boost. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, supported by an 8 MB L3 cache. Utilizing the LGA 1156 socket, it brought the Nehalem microarchitecture to its peak performance on the mainstream platform. It integrates a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller and 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes directly on the CPU. Like other Lynnfield chips, it lacks an integrated GPU. With a 95W TDP, it was relatively easy to cool for its clock speed. The i7-880 was a quiet release, often overshadowed by the unlocked i7-875K, but it remains the fastest stock-clocked Lynnfield CPU, offering excellent performance for its era, though obsolete today.
The i7-880 was the peak of Lynnfield silicon. With a 3.066 GHz base and 3.
733 GHz turbo, it offered the best stock performance on LGA 1156. It was a premium chip for users who wanted top-tier performance without overclocking, though it was quickly overshadowed by Sandy Bridge.
Specifications
Performance
Fastest Lynnfield at stock, but obsolete now.
Good for legacy VMs.
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.
95W TDP is acceptable for 45nm at these clocks.
- •PCIe 2.0 only
- •No AVX support
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •No AI hardware
- •Unsuitable for modern inference
Architecture
45nm
Process Node
Lynnfield
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
95 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-880 is based on the Lynnfield die, representing the highest frequency bin of the Nehalem mainstream architecture. It integrates a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller and 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes directly onto the 45nm CPU die. The architecture employs Hyper-Threading, allowing 4 physical cores to process 8 threads simultaneously. Turbo Boost dynamically increases the clock from 3.066 GHz to 3.733 GHz based on demand and thermal headroom, the highest stock turbo of any Lynnfield chip. The 880 was carefully binned to achieve these frequencies while maintaining a 95W TDP. It lacks an integrated GPU, relying on discrete graphics. The locked multiplier limits overclocking to Base Clock (BCLK) adjustments, making the i7-875K a more popular choice for enthusiasts. It communicates with the P55 chipset via DMI, providing sufficient bandwidth for mainstream desktop workloads and storage connectivity.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, highest 45nm Lynnfield bin.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1333 integrated controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 2.0 lanes for discrete graphics.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, limited BCLK tuning.
- Higher base clock (3.066 GHz)
- Higher turbo clock (3.733 GHz)
- Same 95W TDP
Key Highlights
- Highest stock Lynnfield clocks
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core with HT
- Good 2010 performance
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Rare and expensive
History
The Core i7-880 launched in May 2010 as the pinnacle of the Lynnfield lineup. It offered the highest stock clock speeds of any LGA 1156 CPU, with a 3.066 GHz base and 3.
733 GHz turbo. It was designed for users who wanted maximum performance without the need to overclock. However, its release was somewhat overshadowed by the i7-875K, which launched on the same day and offered an unlocked multiplier for a similar price.
The 880 was a rare sight in DIY builds, mostly appearing in high-end pre-built systems. It represented the absolute limit of the 45nm Lynnfield architecture's frequency potential. The 880's reign was short-lived, as the 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture released in early 2011 offered dramatically better performance and efficiency.
Today, it is remembered as a premium, niche chip that marked the quiet end of the LGA 1156 platform's evolution.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base clock (3.066 GHz)
- Higher turbo clock (3.733 GHz)
- Same 95W TDP
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Maintaining a legacy retro gaming rig.
Avoid if…
- Building new
- Need modern features
- Wanting upgrade paths
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was the fastest LGA 1156 CPU by stock frequency.
The i7-880 was released on the same day as the i7-875K.
It was rarely seen in DIY builds due to high pricing.
It was quickly overshadowed by the 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture.
People Also Ask
Can you overclock the i7-880?
Only via Base Clock (BCLK) since the multiplier is locked.
Does the i7-880 have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
What is the TDP of the i7-880?
The TDP is 95W.
When was the i7-880 released?
It was released on May 30th, 2010.
How many cores does the i7-880 have?
It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What socket does the i7-880 use?
It uses Intel Socket 1156.
What memory does the i7-880 support?
It supports dual-channel DDR3-1333.
Is the i7-880 good for modern gaming?
No, it lacks AVX and bottlenecks modern GPUs.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-880?
The max turbo is 3.733 GHz.
Does the i7-880 support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it supports 8 threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the L3 cache size of the i7-880?
It has 8 MB of shared L3 cache.
What manufacturing process is used for the i7-880?
It is built on a 45nm process.
Does the i7-880 support Virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the base clock speed of the i7-880?
The base clock is 3.066 GHz.
What chipsets are compatible with the i7-880?
P55, H55, H57, and Q57 chipsets.
Can I use DDR4 with the i7-880?
No, it only supports DDR3.
Does the i7-880 have PCIe 3.0?
No, it supports PCIe 2.0.
Is the i7-880 unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
Is the i7-880 still manufactured?
No, it is End-of-life.
Is the i7-880 better than the i7-875K?
Slightly faster at stock, but 875K is unlocked.