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 B950 vs Pentium E2220 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 B950 vs Pentium E2220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium B950

2011

Why buy it

✅+14.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Pentium E2220 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 32.1 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $32 MSRP).

Pentium E2220

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $102 less on MSRP ($32 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 321.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.1 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($32 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (330 vs 379).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (590 vs 671).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 2 MB).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium B950 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium B950 better than Pentium E2220?

Yes. Pentium B950 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 13.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 B950 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 B950 is the stronger fit. You are getting 13.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Pentium B950 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium B950 comes in 318.8% more expensive on MSRP at $134 MSRP versus $32 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium E2220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 321.2% better value on paper (32.1 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Pentium B950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Pentium B950 vs Pentium E2220 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium B950

The Pentium B950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 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: 1,022 points. Launch price was $134.

Pentium E2220

The Pentium E2220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Pentium B950 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium B950 scores 1,022 against the Pentium E2220's 1,028 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium E2220. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 379 vs 330, a 13.8% lead for the Pentium B950 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 671 vs 590 (12.8% advantage for the Pentium B950). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B950 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2220.

Feature	Pentium B950	Pentium E2220
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.4 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)+100%	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	1,022	1,028
Geekbench 6 Single	379+15%	330
Geekbench 6 Multi	671+14%	590

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium B950 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium E2220 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Pentium B950 versus DDR2-800 on the Pentium E2220 — the Pentium B950 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium B950 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Pentium B950) vs 0 (Pentium E2220) — the Pentium B950 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67 (Pentium B950) and G31,G41 (Pentium E2220).

Feature	Pentium B950	Pentium E2220
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+67%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+300%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Pentium E2220 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Pentium B950) vs None (Pentium E2220). The Pentium B950 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Pentium E2220 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium B950 targets Budget, Pentium E2220 targets Legacy Desktop.

Feature	Pentium B950	Pentium E2220
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	None
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium B950 was priced at $134, while the Pentium E2220 came in at $32. On launch pricing ($134 vs $32), Pentium E2220 was $102 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium B950 delivers 7.6 pts/$ vs 32.1 pts/$ for the Pentium E2220 — making the Pentium E2220 the 123.3% better value option.

Feature	Pentium B950	Pentium E2220
MSRP	$134	$32-76%
Performance per Dollar	7.6	32.1+322%
Release Date	2011	2008

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