Core i3-3229Y vs Pentium B960

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-3229Y vs Pentium B960 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-3229Y vs Pentium B960: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3229Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (350 vs 383).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (657 vs 679).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Pentium B960

2011

Why buy it

✅+9.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Core i3-3229Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium B960 better than Core i3-3229Y?

Yes. Pentium B960 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 3.3% better Geekbench multi-core and 0.5% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium B960 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 9.4% stronger Geekbench single-core performance.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium B960 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Pentium B960 is the better buy right now. Pentium B960 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $134 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% higher PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-3229Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3229Y vs Pentium B960 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-3229Y

The Core i3-3229Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,014 points. Launch price was $250.

Pentium B960

The Pentium B960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,019 points. Launch price was $134.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-3229Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium B960's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.4 GHz on the Core i3-3229Y versus 2.2 GHz on the Pentium B960 — a 44.4% clock advantage for the Pentium B960 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-3229Y uses the Ivy Bridge-Y (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium B960 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3229Y scores 1,014 against the Pentium B960's 1,019 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium B960. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 350 vs 383, a 9% lead for the Pentium B960 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 657 vs 679 (3.3% advantage for the Pentium B960). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3229Y vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B960.

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Pentium B960
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.4 GHz	2.2 GHz+57%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.2 GHz+57%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge-Y (2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,014	1,019
Geekbench 6 Single	350	383+9%
Geekbench 6 Multi	657	679+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3229Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium B960 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i3-3229Y versus DDR3-1333 on the Pentium B960 — the Core i3-3229Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3229Y supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM77,UM77 (Core i3-3229Y) and HM76 (Pentium B960).

Feature	Core i3-3229Y	Pentium B960
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3229Y) / not specified (Pentium B960). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3229Y) and HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Pentium B960) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3229Y targets Budget, Pentium B960 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3229Y rivals Athlon Silver 3050GE; Pentium B960 rivals AMD A8-3500M.