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 B960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,019 points. Launch price was $134.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium B960 is positioned at rank #1144 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 B960

#1132

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

3861%

#1133

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

3804%

#1134

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

3492%

#1135

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

3476%

#1136

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

3444%

#1138

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3326%

#1139

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

3189%

#1140

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

3184%

#1141

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

3099%

#1144

Pentium B960

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

100%

#1146

Pentium 957

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

100%

#1147

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

99%

#1149

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

99%

#1150

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

98%

#1151

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

97%

#1152

Core 2 Duo E8435

MSRP: $150|Avg: $74

97%

#1153

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

96%

#1154

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

95%

#1155

Core i7-3517UE

MSRP: $330|Avg: $35

95%

#1156

Pentium N3530

MSRP: $161|Avg: $20

95%

#1157

Core i3-330E

MSRP: $177|Avg: $89

94%

#1159

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium B960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium B960 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium B960 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 2.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 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 1,019, 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 383, while multi-core reaches 679.

Specification	Pentium B960
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 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	1,019
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	383
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	679

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium B960 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: HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Pentium B960
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	HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM76
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Pentium B960 is primarily designed for Budget. Its primary market competitor is the AMD A8-3500M.

Specification	Pentium B960
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD A8-3500M

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium B960 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: Integrated laptop cooling.

Specification	Pentium B960
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	Integrated laptop cooling

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $134), the Pentium B960 delivers 68 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1144 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3058 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium B960
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$134
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$134
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1144
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3058
Release DateLaunch date	2 October 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel