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 Extreme Edition 965 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 March 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Presler (2005−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.733 GHz, with boost up to 0.73 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,165 points. Launch price was $999.

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 Extreme Edition 965

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

122%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

121%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

120%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

118%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

118%

#955

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

117%

#956

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

116%

#957

Core i3-3220T

MSRP: $149|Avg: $146

115%

#958

Athlon XP 1600+

MSRP: $160|Avg: $15

114%

#959

Athlon II X2 240e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $77

112%

#960

Phenom II X3 710

MSRP: $125|Avg: N/A

110%

#961

Athlon XP 1500+

MSRP: $130|Avg: $15

108%

#962

Core i3-2100T

MSRP: $127|Avg: $127

104%

#963

Athlon XP 1900+

MSRP: $269|Avg: $20

102%

#964

Core 2 Duo E7300

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

100%

#965

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

MSRP: $999|Avg: $100

100%

#966

Phenom II X4 810

MSRP: $175|Avg: N/A

100%

#967

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

MSRP: $581|Avg: $110

98%

#968

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

98%

#969

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

97%

#970

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

97%

#971

Athlon XP 3200+

MSRP: $464|Avg: $40

96%

#972

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

95%

#973

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

93%

#974

Athlon XP 2800+

MSRP: $375|Avg: $35

93%

#975

Pentium III 1266S

MSRP: $369|Avg: $20

90%

#976

Athlon XP 2200+

MSRP: $241|Avg: $30

80%

#977

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

77%

#978

Athlon XP 2100+

MSRP: $420|Avg: $30

76%

#979

Pentium G4400TE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $250

75%

#980

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

72%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium Extreme Edition 965 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium Extreme Edition 965 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Presler (2005−2007) architecture, manufactured on a 65 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.73 GHz from a base frequency of 3.733 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,165, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium Extreme Edition 965
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	0.73 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.733 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Presler (2005−2007)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	65 nm
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	2 MB (per core)
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
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,165

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard memory.

Specification	Pentium Extreme Edition 965
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 Depends on motherboard
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 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 Extreme Edition 965
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $100 (MSRP: $999), the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 delivers 12 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3075 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium Extreme Edition 965
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$999
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$100
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$999
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3075
Release DateLaunch date	26 March 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

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$999
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	26 March 2006 (19 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Presler (2005−2007)
Performance Ranking Position	3075

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Die Size	2x 81 mm2
L1 Cache	16 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	2 MB (per core)
Max Frequency	0.73 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.733 GHz
Transistor Count	376 million
Process Technology	65 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	67 °C