Pentium D 960 vs Pentium E2200

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 D 960 vs Pentium E2200 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 D 960 vs Pentium E2200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium D 960

2006

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.9 vs 11.7 PassMark/$ ($523 MSRP vs $84 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.

Pentium E2200

2007

Why buy it

✅Costs $439 less on MSRP ($84 MSRP vs $523 MSRP).
✅Delivers 510.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.7 vs 1.9 PassMark/$ ($84 MSRP vs $523 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (985 vs 1,005).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium D 960 better than Pentium E2200?

Yes. Pentium D 960 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium D 960 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 D 960 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium D 960 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium D 960 comes in 522.6% more expensive on MSRP at $523 MSRP versus $84 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium E2200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 510.2% better value on paper (11.7 vs 1.9 PassMark/$), 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 E2200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2007 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium D 960 vs Pentium E2200 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium D 960

The Pentium D 960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $523.

Pentium E2200

The Pentium E2200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 985 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Pentium D 960 is built on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium D 960 scores 1,005 against the Pentium E2200's 985 — a 2% lead for the Pentium D 960. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Pentium D 960 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2200.

Feature	Pentium D 960	Pentium E2200
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+64%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)	—
Process	65 nm	65 nm
Architecture	NetBurst (2000−2006)	—
PassMark	1,005+2%	985

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA775 socket with PCIe 1.1.

Feature	Pentium D 960	Pentium E2200
Socket	LGA775	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium D 960 was priced at $523, while the Pentium E2200 came in at $84. On launch pricing ($523 vs $84), Pentium E2200 was $439 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium D 960 delivers 1.9 pts/$ vs 11.7 pts/$ for the Pentium E2200 — making the Pentium E2200 the 143.7% better value option.

Feature	Pentium D 960	Pentium E2200
MSRP	$523	$84-84%
Performance per Dollar	1.9	11.7+516%
Release Date	2006	2007

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