Core i3-350M vs Pentium B970

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 i3-350M vs Pentium B970 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 i3-350M vs Pentium B970: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Pentium B970 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,088 vs 1,093).
❌
4% HIGHER MSRP
$130 MSRPvs$125 MSRP

Pentium B970

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $5 less on MSRP ($125 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-350M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium B970 better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Pentium B970 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium B970 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium B970 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium B970 is the better buy right now. Pentium B970 comes in $5 cheaper on MSRP at $125 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4.5% better value on MSRP (8.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium B970 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-350M vs Pentium B970 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

Pentium B970

The Pentium B970 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 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: 1,093 points. Launch price was $125.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-350M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium B970's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M versus 2.3 GHz on the Pentium B970 — a 158% clock advantage for the Pentium B970 (base: 2.26 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-350M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium B970 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-350M scores 1,088 against the Pentium B970's 1,093 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium B970. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B970.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Pentium B970
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.27 GHz	2.3 GHz+752%
Base Clock	2.26 GHz	2.3 GHz+2%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,088	1,093
Geekbench 6 Single	280	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Pentium B970
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M) / not specified (Pentium B970). The Core i3-350M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Pentium B970 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Pentium B970
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Entry Laptop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-350M was priced at $130, while the Pentium B970 came in at $125. On launch pricing ($130 vs $125), Pentium B970 was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-350M delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 8.7 pts/$ for the Pentium B970 — making the Pentium B970 the 4.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Pentium B970
MSRP	$130	$125-4%
Performance per Dollar	8.4	8.7+4%
Release Date	2010	2012

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