Pentium D 960
Intel
PassMark
1,005
MSRP
$523
AVG Price
$15
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 D 960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 1,005 points. Launch price was $523.
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 D 960
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Pentium D 960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Counter-Strike 2
Final Fantasy XIV
Grand Theft Auto V
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Pentium D 960 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Pentium D 960 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 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 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 1,005, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Pentium D 960 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3.6 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 |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 1.2V-1.3375V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,005 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium D 960 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Pentium D 960 |
|---|---|
| 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 960 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 960 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 130 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $523), the Pentium D 960 delivers 67 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3164 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Pentium D 960 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $523 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $523 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3164 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 23 April 2006 (19 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2006 |
| 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
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $523 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 23 April 2006 (19 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | NetBurst (2000−2006) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3164 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 2x 81 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 16 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total) |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 376 million |
| Process Technology | 65 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 1.2V-1.3375V |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 69 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 130 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Pentium D 960
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Pentium D 960 with other popular CPUs
Compare Pentium D 960
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