Pentium G6951 vs Pentium Silver A1030

Intel

Pentium G6951

2 Cores2 Thrd73 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium Silver A1030

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2020
Similar parts
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Pentium G6951 vs Pentium Silver A1030 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 G6951 vs Pentium Silver A1030 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 G6951 vs Pentium Silver A1030: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G6951

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $89 MSRP, while Pentium Silver A1030 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 386.7% higher power demand at 73W vs 15W.

Pentium Silver A1030

2020

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Draws 15W instead of 73W, a 58W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium G6951 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,380 vs 1,383).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G6951 better than Pentium Silver A1030?
Yes. Pentium G6951 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Pentium G6951 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 G6951 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium G6951 is the better buy right now. Pentium G6951 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $89 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 Silver A1030 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2010) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G6951 vs Pentium Silver A1030 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Pentium G6951

The Pentium G6951 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,383 points. Launch price was $94.

Intel

Pentium Silver A1030

The Pentium Silver A1030 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: upto-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 1,380 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Pentium G6951 and Pentium Silver A1030 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G6951 versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium Silver A1030 — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Pentium G6951 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Pentium G6951 is built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium G6951 scores 1,383 against the Pentium Silver A1030's 1,380 — a 0.2% lead for the Pentium G6951. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G6951 vs 4 MB on the Pentium Silver A1030.

FeaturePentium G6951Pentium Silver A1030
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+4%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+40%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
4 MB+33%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,383
1,380
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Memory & Platform

The Pentium G6951 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Silver A1030 uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePentium G6951Pentium Silver A1030
Socket
LGA1156
FCBGA1090
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%