Pentium G840 vs Pentium G6951

Intel

Pentium G840

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G6951

2 Cores2 Thrd73 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Pentium G840 vs Pentium G6951 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 G840 vs Pentium G6951 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 G840 vs Pentium G6951: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium G840

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $25 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
  • Delivers 37.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.4 vs 15.5 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $89 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 73W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,367 vs 1,383).

Pentium G6951

2010

Why buy it

  • +1.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.5 vs 21.4 PassMark/$ ($89 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G6951 better than Pentium G840?
Yes. Pentium G6951 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
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 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium G6951 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium G6951 comes in 39.1% more expensive on MSRP at $89 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G840 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 37.5% better value on paper (21.4 vs 15.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Pentium G840 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium G840 vs Pentium G6951 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Pentium G840

The Pentium G840 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 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: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,367 points. Launch price was $60.

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.

Processing Power

Both the Pentium G840 and Pentium G6951 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G840 versus 2.8 GHz on the Pentium G6951 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Pentium G840 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G6951 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Pentium G840 scores 1,367 against the Pentium G6951's 1,383 — a 1.2% lead for the Pentium G6951. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeaturePentium G840Pentium G6951
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,367
1,383+1%
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Memory & Platform

The Pentium G840 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G6951 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeaturePentium G840Pentium G6951
Socket
LGA1155
LGA1156
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium G840 was priced at $64, while the Pentium G6951 came in at $89. On launch pricing ($64 vs $89), Pentium G840 was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium G840 delivers 21.4 pts/$ vs 15.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G6951 — making the Pentium G840 the 31.5% better value option.

FeaturePentium G840Pentium G6951
MSRP
$64-28%
$89
Performance per Dollar
21.4+38%
15.5
Release Date
2011
2010

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