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. 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

#126

Athlon X2 QL-65

MSRP: $150|Avg: $22

109%

#127

FX-9830P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

108%

#128

Ryzen AI Max PRO 390

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

106%

#129

Celeron B730

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

105%

#130

Core i7-1370P

MSRP: $438|Avg: $280

105%

#131

Celeron B840

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

105%

#132

Celeron 857

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

104%

#133

Celeron 1020E

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

103%

#134

E-350

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

103%

#135

Pentium N4200

MSRP: $161|Avg: $30.89

103%

#136

Core i7-11700B

MSRP: $323|Avg: $311

102%

#137

Core i7-4860EQ

MSRP: $434|Avg: $80

101%

#138

Core i9-13980HX

MSRP: $668|Avg: N/A

101%

#139

Core i7-3517UE

MSRP: $330|Avg: $35

100%

#140

Core 2 Duo E8135

MSRP: $200|Avg: $15

100%

#141

Pentium B960

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

100%

#142

Celeron T3300

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

99%

#143

A6-7000

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

98%

#144

Pro A12-8800B

MSRP: $400|Avg: $40

98%

#145

Celeron B720

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

98%

#146

Core i7-13700HX

MSRP: $485|Avg: N/A

98%

#147

Core i7-1360P

MSRP: $480|Avg: $280

97%

#148

Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

97%

#149

Core i5-4400E

MSRP: $266|Avg: $50

96%

#150

Core i7-2715QE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $50

95%

#151

Celeron P4600

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

95%

#152

Pentium Dual Core T2370

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

94%

#153

Core M-5Y31

MSRP: $281|Avg: $30

93%

#154

FX-8800P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

93%

#155

Ryzen Embedded R1305G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $50

93%

#156

Core i5-2510E

MSRP: $230|Avg: $30

92%

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. 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
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

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	2 October 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	3058

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	22
Max Frequency	2.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.2 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	85 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-