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 D 950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 January 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 935 points. Launch price was $637.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium D 950 is positioned at rank #1110 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 D 950

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

212051%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

200367%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

145483%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

43828%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

34716%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

30370%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

17395%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

17167%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

15631%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

15630%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

15455%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

15038%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

14828%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

14768%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

14634%

#1110

Pentium D 950

MSRP: $637|Avg: $10

100%

#1111

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

99%

#1112

Athlon 64 4000+

MSRP: $482|Avg: $30

95%

#1113

Pentium 4 2.66

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

86%

#1114

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

85%

#1115

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

85%

#1116

Athlon 64 3400+

MSRP: $440|Avg: $20

84%

#1117

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

83%

#1118

Athlon 64 3200+

MSRP: $417|Avg: $10

82%

#1119

Athlon 64 FX-60

MSRP: $1031|Avg: $1000

80%

#1120

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

MSRP: $999|Avg: $100

80%

#1121

Athlon XP 2200+

MSRP: $241|Avg: $30

79%

#1122

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

76%

#1123

Pentium Extreme Edition 955

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

75%

#1124

Athlon XP 2700+

MSRP: $349|Avg: $20

70%

#1125

Athlon XP 2800+

MSRP: $375|Avg: $35

69%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium D 950 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium D 950 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB (total) of L2 cache and 16 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 935, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium D 950
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	NetBurst (2000−2006)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	16 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	2x 81 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	376 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	C1+D0=63 °C, B1=69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Core Voltage Range	1.2V-1.3375V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	935

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium D 950 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium D 950
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA775
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2, DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium D 950 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium D 950
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	C1+D0=63 °C, B1=69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $637), the Pentium D 950 delivers 94 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1110 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3240 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium D 950
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$637
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$637
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1110
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3240
Release DateLaunch date	16 January 2006 (19 years ago)
Release Year	2006
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel