
Pentium B940
Intel
PassMark
2,610
MSRP
$134
AVG Price
$11
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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. The Pentium B940 is positioned at rank #895 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium B940
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Pentium B940 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Valorant
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. It currently holds Rank #895 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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 |
| Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking | #895 |
| 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 |
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