Pentium B970
Intel
PassMark
1,093
MSRP
$125
AVG Price
$39
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 B970 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 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: 1,093 points. Launch price was $125.
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 B970
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Pentium B970 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Destiny 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Grand Theft Auto V
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Monster Hunter Wilds
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Pentium B970 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Pentium B970 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 2.3 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 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 1,093, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Pentium B970 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.3 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.3 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 | 1,093 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium B970 fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Pentium B970 |
|---|---|
| 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 B970 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 B970 |
|---|---|
| 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 $39 (MSRP: $125), the Pentium B970 delivers 28 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3013 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Pentium B970 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $125 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $39 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $125 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3013 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 1 January 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| 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 | $125 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 1 January 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3013 |
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 | 23 |
| Max Frequency | 2.3 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.3 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
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Pentium B970
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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