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. The Pentium D 960 is positioned at rank #1104 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 960

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

162352%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

153406%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

111385%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

33556%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

26580%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

23252%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

13318%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

13144%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

11968%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

11967%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

11833%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

11514%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

11353%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

11307%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

11204%

#1104

Pentium D 960

MSRP: $523|Avg: $15

100%

#1105

Athlon XP 2500+

MSRP: $172|Avg: $15

97%

#1106

Athlon 64 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $10

95%

#1107

Pentium 4 2.53

MSRP: $193|Avg: $13

93%

#1108

Pentium 4 2.40

MSRP: $193|Avg: $193

88%

#1109

Athlon XP 2400+

MSRP: $193|Avg: $10

82%

#1110

Pentium D 950

MSRP: $637|Avg: $10

77%

#1111

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

76%

#1112

Athlon 64 4000+

MSRP: $482|Avg: $30

73%

#1113

Pentium 4 2.66

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

66%

#1114

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

65%

#1115

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

65%

#1116

Athlon 64 3400+

MSRP: $440|Avg: $20

65%

#1117

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

64%

#1118

Athlon 64 3200+

MSRP: $417|Avg: $10

63%

#1119

Athlon 64 FX-60

MSRP: $1031|Avg: $1000

61%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium D 960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #1104 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1104
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