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. The Pentium Extreme Edition 965 is positioned at rank #1119 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 Extreme Edition 965

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

266423%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

251744%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

182786%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

55066%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

43618%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

38157%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

21855%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

21569%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

19639%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

19638%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

19418%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

18894%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

18630%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

18555%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

18386%

#1119

Pentium Extreme Edition 965

MSRP: $999|Avg: $100

100%

#1120

Athlon 64 FX-60

MSRP: $1031|Avg: $1000

100%

#1121

Athlon XP 2200+

MSRP: $241|Avg: $30

99%

#1122

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

96%

#1123

Pentium Extreme Edition 955

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

94%

#1124

Athlon XP 2700+

MSRP: $349|Avg: $20

88%

#1125

Athlon XP 2800+

MSRP: $375|Avg: $35

86%

#1126

Pentium III 1200

MSRP: $200|Avg: $10

84%

#1127

Athlon XP 3200+

MSRP: $464|Avg: $40

82%

#1128

Pentium III 1400

MSRP: $250|Avg: $20

78%

#1129

Pentium III 1400S

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

78%

#1130

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

78%

#1131

Athlon XP 1800+

MSRP: $252|Avg: $30

76%

#1132

Athlon XP 1900+

MSRP: $269|Avg: $20

75%

#1133

Athlon 64 FX-51

MSRP: $733|Avg: $733

72%

#1134

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

71%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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. It currently holds Rank #1119 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1119
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