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 2030M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 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: 1,396 points. Launch price was $134.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium 2030M is positioned at rank #27 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Great 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 2030M

#15

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

168%

#16

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

166%

#17

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

152%

#18

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

151%

#19

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

150%

#21

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

145%

#22

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

139%

#23

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

139%

#24

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

135%

#27

Pentium 2030M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

100%

#28

Core 2 Duo T5750

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $8

100%

#29

Core 2 Duo T7200

MSRP: $286|Avg: $6

98%

#30

Core i5-3230M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $13

98%

#31

Atom D525

MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A

98%

#32

Atom x7835RE

MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A

97%

#33

Core 2 Duo P8400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

95%

#38

Core 2 Duo T8100

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

89%

#39

Atom 330

MSRP: $43|Avg: $30

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 2030M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 2030M specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 2030M 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 2.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 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 1,396, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium 2030M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.5 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	1,396

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 2030M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium 2030M
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
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium 2030M 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.

Specification	Pentium 2030M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $134, the Pentium 2030M delivers 10 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #27 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2843 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 2030M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$134
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#27
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2843
Release DateLaunch date	1 January 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel