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 987 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,487 points. Launch price was $134.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. 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 987

#108

Core i5-3210M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

111%

#109

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

MSRP: $749|Avg: N/A

111%

#110

Core M-5Y10

MSRP: $281|Avg: $20

111%

#111

A8-8600P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $30

110%

#112

Celeron 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

110%

#113

Core i5-1240P

MSRP: $309|Avg: $200

109%

#114

Core i3-8145UE

MSRP: $281|Avg: $50

108%

#115

Pentium A1018

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

107%

#116

Ryzen 5 PRO 5675U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $180

106%

#117

Athlon 64 X2 TK-42

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

104%

#118

A8 Pro-7150B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

104%

#119

A6 Micro-6500T

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

103%

#120

Ryzen AI 9 365

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

102%

#121

Core i5-1350P

MSRP: $320|Avg: $250

101%

#122

Pentium T2370

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

100%

#123

Pentium 987

MSRP: $134|Avg: $20

100%

#124

Athlon II M340

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

100%

#125

C-60

MSRP: $50|Avg: $20

100%

#126

Athlon X2 QL-65

MSRP: $150|Avg: $22

100%

#127

FX-9830P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

99%

#128

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

97%

#129

Celeron B730

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

96%

#130

Core i7-1370P

MSRP: $438|Avg: $280

96%

#131

Celeron B840

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

95%

#132

Celeron 857

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

95%

#133

Celeron 1020E

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

95%

#134

E-350

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

94%

#135

Pentium N4200

MSRP: $161|Avg: $30.89

94%

#136

Core i7-11700B

MSRP: $323|Avg: $311

93%

#137

Core i7-4860EQ

MSRP: $434|Avg: $80

93%

#138

Core i9-13980HX

MSRP: $668|Avg: N/A

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 987 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 987 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium 987 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.5 GHz from a base frequency of 1.5 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 1,487, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium 987
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 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	131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,487

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 987 fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium 987
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1023
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium 987 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium 987
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $20 (MSRP: $134), the Pentium 987 delivers 74 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3247 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 987
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$134
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$20
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3247
Release DateLaunch date	1 February 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Pentium
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$134
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 February 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	3247

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	131 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	15
Max Frequency	1.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.5 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-