CPU
GPU
Pentium B960
Pentium E2220
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Pentium B960 is positioned at rank 1144 and the Pentium E2220 is on rank 569, so the Pentium E2220 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium B960
Performance Per Dollar Pentium E2220
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium B960 | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($32) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium B960 | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+111%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($32) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Pentium B960 and Pentium E2220
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Pentium B960 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium B960 scores 1,019 against the Pentium E2220's 1,028 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium E2220. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 383 vs 330, a 14.9% lead for the Pentium B960 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 679 vs 590 (14% advantage for the Pentium B960). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B960 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2220.
| Feature | Pentium B960 | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | — |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.4 GHz+9% |
| 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 | 1,019 | 1,028 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 383+16% | 330 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 679+15% | 590 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium B960 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 B960 versus DDR2-800 on the Pentium E2220 — the Pentium B960 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium B960 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Pentium B960) vs 0 (Pentium E2220) — the Pentium B960 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76 (Pentium B960) and G31,G41 (Pentium E2220).
| Feature | Pentium B960 | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+300% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the Pentium E2220 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization: not specified (Pentium B960) / None (Pentium E2220). The Pentium B960 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Pentium E2220 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium B960 targets Budget, Pentium E2220 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Pentium B960 rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Pentium B960 | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | — | None |
| Target Use | Budget | Legacy Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Pentium B960 launched at $134 MSRP, while the Pentium E2220 debuted at $32. At current prices ($15 vs $32), the Pentium B960 is $17 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium B960 delivers 67.9 pts/$ vs 32.1 pts/$ for the Pentium E2220 — making the Pentium B960 the 71.6% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium B960 | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $134 | $32-76% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-53% | $32 |
| Performance per Dollar | 67.9+112% | 32.1 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Pentium B960 and Pentium E2220
