Pentium 2030M vs Phenom II X4 P920

Intel

Pentium 2030M

2 Cores2 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 P920

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 1.6 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Pentium 2030M vs Phenom II X4 P920 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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.

Pentium 2030M vs Phenom II X4 P920 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.

Pentium 2030M vs Phenom II X4 P920: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 2030M

2013

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 P920 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

    Phenom II X4 P920

    2010

    Why buy it

    • Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,395 vs 1,396).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium 2030M better than Phenom II X4 P920?
    Yes. Pentium 2030M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 2030M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 2030M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium 2030M is the better buy right now. Pentium 2030M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $134 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Pentium 2030M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Pentium 2030M vs Phenom II X4 P920 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Pentium 2030M

    The Pentium 2030M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,396 points. Launch price was $134.

    AMD

    Phenom II X4 P920

    The Phenom II X4 P920 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,395 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Pentium 2030M packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 P920 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 P920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Pentium 2030M versus 1.6 GHz on the Phenom II X4 P920 — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Pentium 2030M. The Pentium 2030M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 P920 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium 2030M scores 1,396 against the Phenom II X4 P920's 1,395 — a 0.1% lead for the Pentium 2030M.

    FeaturePentium 2030MPhenom II X4 P920
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.5 GHz+56%
    1.6 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.5 GHz
    L3 Cache
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)+12700%
    2 MB
    Process
    22 nm-51%
    45 nm
    Architecture
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    Champlain (2010−2011)
    PassMark
    1,396
    1,395
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Pentium 2030M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 P920 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeaturePentium 2030MPhenom II X4 P920
    Socket
    PGA988
    S1g4
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0