CPU
GPU
Pentium G6960
Phenom X3 8750
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 G6960 is positioned at rank 881 and the Phenom X3 8750 is on rank 1043, so the Pentium G6960 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G6960
Performance Per Dollar Phenom X3 8750
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Pentium G6960 | Phenom X3 8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Toliman (2008) / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Pentium G6960 | Phenom X3 8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+32%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($20) |
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 G6960 and Phenom X3 8750
Pentium G6960
The Pentium G6960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (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: 1,433 points. Launch price was $69.
Phenom X3 8750
The Phenom X3 8750 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,445 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Pentium G6960 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X3 8750 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8750 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 0.93 GHz on the Pentium G6960 versus 2.4 GHz on the Phenom X3 8750 — a 88.3% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8750. The Pentium G6960 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8750 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G6960 scores 1,433 against the Phenom X3 8750's 1,445 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom X3 8750. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total) on the Pentium G6960 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8750.
| Feature | Pentium G6960 | Phenom X3 8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 3 / 3+50% |
| Boost Clock | 0.93 GHz | 2.4 GHz+158% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3072 kB (total)+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-51% | 65 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Toliman (2008) |
| PassMark | 1,433 | 1,445 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G6960 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8750 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Pentium G6960 | Phenom X3 8750 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | AM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Pentium G6960 launched at $89 MSRP, while the Phenom X3 8750 debuted at $195. At current prices ($15 vs $20), the Pentium G6960 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G6960 delivers 95.5 pts/$ vs 72.3 pts/$ for the Phenom X3 8750 — making the Pentium G6960 the 27.8% better value option.
| Feature | Pentium G6960 | Phenom X3 8750 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $89-54% | $195 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-25% | $20 |
| Performance per Dollar | 95.5+32% | 72.3 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
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