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 B980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,101 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.

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 B980

#230

Core i3-1315UE

MSRP: $312|Avg: $250

114%

#231

Core Solo T1200

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

113%

#232

Core 3 N355

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

111%

#233

Core i5-1335UE

MSRP: $312|Avg: $312

111%

#234

Celeron N2807

MSRP: $107|Avg: $60

111%

#235

A10-7300

MSRP: $150|Avg: $50

110%

#236

Core Ultra 9 288V

MSRP: $600|Avg: $600

107%

#237

Core i7-10870H

MSRP: $417|Avg: N/A

107%

#238

Celeron 570

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

107%

#239

Microsoft SQ1

MSRP: $300|Avg: $180

107%

#240

Celeron Dual-Core T3300

MSRP: $86|Avg: $30

106%

#241

Celeron Dual-Core T1500

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $49

105%

#242

Core i5-1345UE

MSRP: $312|Avg: $312

105%

#243

Core 2 Duo P8700

MSRP: $241|Avg: $85

105%

#244

Core 3 N350

MSRP: $225|Avg: $220

105%

#245

Pentium B980

MSRP: $125|Avg: $35

100%

#246

Core i3-N305

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

99%

#247

Core i7-4700EQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $180

96%

#248

Core i7-10850H

MSRP: $395|Avg: N/A

93%

#249

Pentium B950

MSRP: $134|Avg: $35

93%

#250

Pentium B970

MSRP: $125|Avg: $39

89%

#251

Pentium N3710

MSRP: $161|Avg: $50

88%

#252

Pentium 6805

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

87%

#253

Phenom II X2 N640

MSRP: $100|Avg: $55

87%

#254

Core i7-11370H

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

86%

#255

Atom D525

MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A

86%

#256

Core i3-N300

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

85%

#257

Core i5-4402E

MSRP: $266|Avg: $100

85%

#258

Core i7-1250U

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

84%

#259

Core i7-9750HF

MSRP: $395|Avg: $395

84%

#260

Celeron 6305

MSRP: $107|Avg: $80

83%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium B980 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium B980 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium B980 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 2.4 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 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 1,101, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium B980
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.4 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	1,101

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium B980 fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium B980
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 B980 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 B980
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 $35 (MSRP: $125), the Pentium B980 delivers 31 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3008 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium B980
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$125
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$35
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$125
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3008
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 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

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Pentium
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$125
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	3008

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	24
Max Frequency	2.4 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.4 GHz
Transistor Count	504 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	85 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-