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 997 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 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: 1,215 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 997

#44

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

118%

#45

Pentium Dual Core SU4100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

116%

#46

Celeron B815

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

115%

#47

Pentium P6100

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16.39

113%

#48

Core 2 Duo U7700

MSRP: $262|Avg: $10

110%

#49

Ryzen 3 210

MSRP: $99|Avg: $99

110%

#50

Ryzen 5 PRO 230

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

108%

#51

Core 2 Quad Q9100

MSRP: $14|Avg: $14

106%

#52

FX-7500

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

106%

#53

Pentium SU2700

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

104%

#54

Celeron M P4600

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

103%

#55

Celeron 887

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

103%

#56

Ryzen 5 220

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

103%

#57

Athlon 64 TF-20

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

102%

#58

Athlon Neo X2 L325

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

101%

#59

Pentium 997

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

100%

#60

A6 Pro-7050B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

100%

#61

Core 2 Duo T7100

MSRP: $197|Avg: $15

100%

#62

Core i5-3610ME

MSRP: $276|Avg: $22

99%

#63

Celeron Dual-Core T3000

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

99%

#64

Athlon II M320

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

98%

#65

Athlon II Neo K345

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

98%

#66

Athlon II P320

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

97%

#67

Celeron U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

95%

#68

Pentium Dual Core T4200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

95%

#69

Pentium 977

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

94%

#70

Pentium N3520

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

94%

#71

Core 2 Duo U7500

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

92%

#72

Core i3-1115G4E

MSRP: $213|Avg: $47

92%

#73

Core Ultra 7 265HX

MSRP: $450|Avg: N/A

90%

#74

Core i3-350M

MSRP: $130|Avg: $10

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium 997 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium 997 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium 997 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 1.6 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 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 1,215, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium 997
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.6 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	1,215

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium 997 fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium 997
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 997 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 997
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 $10 (MSRP: $134), the Pentium 997 delivers 122 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3171 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium 997
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$134
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3171
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

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 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	3171

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	16
Max Frequency	1.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.6 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-