Pentium 987 vs Pentium G850

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 987 vs Pentium G850 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 987 vs Pentium G850: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium 987

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 65W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,487 vs 1,491).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.1 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium G850

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $48 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.3 vs 11.1 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌282.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 17W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G850 better than Pentium 987?

Yes. Pentium G850 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G850 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G850 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Pentium G850 is the better buy right now. Pentium G850 comes in $48 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 56.2% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 11.1 PassMark/$), 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 987 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium 987 vs Pentium G850 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium 987

The Pentium 987 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,487 points. Launch price was $134.

Pentium G850

The Pentium G850 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,491 points. Launch price was $27.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Pentium 987 and Pentium G850 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Pentium 987 versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G850 — a 63.6% clock advantage for the Pentium G850 (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Pentium 987 scores 1,487 against the Pentium G850's 1,491 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium G850. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 987 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G850.

Feature	Pentium 987	Pentium G850
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+93%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.9 GHz+93%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,487	1,491

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 987 uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G850 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium 987	Pentium G850
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium 987 was priced at $134, while the Pentium G850 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($134 vs $86), Pentium G850 was $48 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium 987 delivers 11.1 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G850 — making the Pentium G850 the 43.9% better value option.

Feature	Pentium 987	Pentium G850
MSRP	$134	$86-36%
Performance per Dollar	11.1	17.3+56%
Release Date	2013	2011

Search Pentium 987 on Amazon

Search Pentium G850 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.