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 2129Y 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 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 1.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,502 points. Launch price was $150.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium 2129Y is positioned at rank #590 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 2129Y

#184

Core Ultra 7 266V

MSRP: $520|Avg: $520

99%

#578

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

781%

#579

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

770%

#580

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

707%

#581

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

704%

#582

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

697%

#584

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

673%

#585

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

646%

#586

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

644%

#587

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

627%

#590

Pentium 2129Y

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 2129Y across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 2129Y specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Pentium 2129Y 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 1.1 GHz from a base frequency of 1.1 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 1,502, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium 2129Y
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.1 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)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,502

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium 2129Y fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium 2129Y
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1023
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

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Power & Cooling

The Pentium 2129Y has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 10 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium 2129Y
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	10 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C

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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #590 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3325 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 2129Y
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$150
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#590
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3325
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