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.

Overview

The Pentium 2020M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,412 points. Launch price was $134.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium 2020M is positioned at rank #1063 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Pentium 2020M

#1051

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2784%

#1052

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2743%

#1053

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2518%

#1054

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2507%

#1055

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2484%

#1057

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

2398%

#1058

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2300%

#1059

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2296%

#1060

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

2234%

#1063

Pentium 2020M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

100%

#1064

Celeron P4500

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

100%

#1065

Pentium Dual Core SU4100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

100%

#1066

Processor N50

MSRP: $128|Avg: $120

99%

#1067

Athlon II N350

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

99%

#1068

Celeron N3350

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

99%

#1070

Core i7-2675QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

98%

#1071

A9-9410

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

98%

#1073

A8 Pro-7150B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

97%

#1074

A9-9420

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

97%

#1075

Celeron B730

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

97%

#1078

A9-9425

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 2020M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 2020M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium 2020M is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,412, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 391, while multi-core reaches 667.

Specification	Pentium 2020M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	118 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,412
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	391
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	667

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 2020M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Pentium 2020M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM70,HM75,HM76,HM77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Pentium 2020M is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x / EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Pentium 2020M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x / EPT

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium 2020M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock (Laptop).

Specification	Pentium 2020M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock (Laptop)

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $134, the Pentium 2020M delivers 11 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1063 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2838 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 2020M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$134
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1063
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2838
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel