Pentium B940
CPU·Budget

Pentium B940

Intel

PassMark

2,610

MSRP

$134

AVG Price

$11

19 June 2011 (14 years ago)
35 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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.

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

#883
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1506%
#884
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1484%
#885
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1362%
#886
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1356%
#887
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1344%
#889
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1298%
#890
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1244%
#891
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1242%
#892
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
1209%
#895
Pentium B940
MSRP: $134|Avg: $11
100%
#896
Core i5-8305G
MSRP: $350|Avg: $350
100%
#897
Celeron 6305
MSRP: $107|Avg: $80
100%
#900
Core i7-8705G
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
98%
#902
Pentium Dual Core T2410
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
97%
#903
FX-8800P
MSRP: $150|Avg: $45
97%
#905
Core i7-8809G
MSRP: $450|Avg: $450
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

SpecificationPentium B940
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)85 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,610
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Memory & Platform

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

SpecificationPentium B940
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Pentium
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (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.

SpecificationPentium B940
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)85 °C
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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.

SpecificationPentium 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 date19 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Pentium B940

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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