Pentium G6960 vs Phenom X3 8750

Pentium G6960 vs Phenom X3 8750 Performance Spectrum

Pentium G6960

2 / 2

1,433

0.0%

1,445

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 G6960 vs Phenom X3 8750 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 G6960 vs Phenom X3 8750: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G6960

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $106 less on MSRP ($89 MSRP vs $195 MSRP).
✅Delivers 117.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.1 vs 7.4 PassMark/$ ($89 MSRP vs $195 MSRP).
✅Draws 73W instead of 95W, a 22W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,433 vs 1,445).

Phenom X3 8750

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.4 vs 16.1 PassMark/$ ($195 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
❌30.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X3 8750 better than Pentium G6960?

Yes. Phenom X3 8750 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom X3 8750 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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, Phenom X3 8750 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom X3 8750 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom X3 8750 comes in 119.1% more expensive on MSRP at $195 MSRP versus $89 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G6960 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 117.3% better value on paper (16.1 vs 7.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Pentium G6960 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G6960 vs Phenom X3 8750 Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium G6960 was priced at $89, while the Phenom X3 8750 came in at $195. On launch pricing ($89 vs $195), Pentium G6960 was $106 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G6960 delivers 16.1 pts/$ vs 7.4 pts/$ for the Phenom X3 8750 — making the Pentium G6960 the 73.9% better value option.

Feature	Pentium G6960	Phenom X3 8750
MSRP	$89-54%	$195
Performance per Dollar	16.1+118%	7.4
Release Date	2011	2008

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