Pentium B950
Intel
PassMark
1,022
MSRP
$134
AVG Price
$35
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 B950 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 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: 1,022 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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Pentium B950
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Pentium B950 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead by Daylight
Deadlock
Delta Force
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Minecraft
Monster Hunter Wilds
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Pentium B950 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Pentium B950 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 2.1 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 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 1,022, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 379, while multi-core reaches 671.
| Specification | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.1 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.1 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 | 1,022 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 379 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 671 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium B950 fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 16 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | HM65,HM67 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Pentium B950 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x |
Power & Cooling
The Pentium B950 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock (Laptop).
| Specification | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 35 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 85 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock (Laptop) |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $134), the Pentium B950 delivers 29 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3054 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Pentium B950 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $134 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $35 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $134 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3054 |
| 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
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 | 3054 |
Technical Specifications
16 specs
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 | 21 |
| Max Frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 504 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 85 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 35 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 21.335 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 16 GB |
Similar Performance
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Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Pentium B950
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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