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 B940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,610 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 B940

Ryzen 3 PRO 210

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $30

171%

Ryzen 7 260

MSRP: $199|Avg: $70

171%

Celeron B800

MSRP: $80|Avg: $5

161%

Core 2 Duo T5550

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5

154%

#10

Pentium Dual Core T2390

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

149%

#11

Athlon X2 QL-66

MSRP: $150|Avg: $5

143%

#12

Core i9-14900HX

MSRP: $668|Avg: $149

126%

#13

Core 2 Duo T7200

MSRP: $286|Avg: $6

121%

#14

Core i7-11850HE

MSRP: $400|Avg: $75

120%

#15

Celeron Dual-Core T1400

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

115%

#16

Pentium Dual Core T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

108%

#17

Athlon Neo MV-40

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

107%

#18

Core 2 Duo U7600

MSRP: $250|Avg: $5

106%

#19

Core 2 Duo P8400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

105%

#20

Celeron M U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

102%

#21

Pentium B940

MSRP: $134|Avg: $11

100%

#22

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

99%

#23

Pentium T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

99%

#24

Core 2 Duo T8100

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

98%

#25

Core 2 Duo T5750

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $8

92%

#26

Celeron T1700

MSRP: $80|Avg: $5

89%

#27

Celeron M 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

89%

#28

Core i9-13950HX

MSRP: $590|Avg: $199

87%

#29

Celeron B710

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

86%

#30

Celeron M 560

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

85%

#31

Core i5-3230M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $13

83%

#32

Athlon II P360

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

82%

#33

Athlon II P340

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $10

80%

#34

Core i3-2330E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $10

77%

#35

Celeron P4500

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

76%

#36

Atom x5-E8000

MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A

75%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium B940 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium B940 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium B940 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 2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 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 2,610, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium B940
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 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)	85 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,610

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium B940 fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium B940
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
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 B940 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 B940
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	85 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $11 (MSRP: $134), the Pentium B940 delivers 237 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3134 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium B940
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$134
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$11
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3134
Release DateLaunch date	19 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
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	19 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	3134

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	20
Max Frequency	2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	85 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-