Pentium G6960
Intel
PassMark
1,433
MSRP
$89
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 G6960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,433 points. Launch price was $69.
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 G6960
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Pentium G6960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Delta Force
Genshin Impact
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Rocket League
Rust
Stardew Valley
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Pentium G6960 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Pentium G6960 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.93 GHz from a base frequency of 2.93 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 3072 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,433, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Pentium G6960 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 0.93 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.93 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 32 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 3072 kB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256 kB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 81 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 382 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 73 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,433 |
Memory & Platform
The Pentium G6960 fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Pentium G6960 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1156 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 2.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Pentium G6960 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 73 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Pentium G6960 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 73 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 73 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $89), the Pentium G6960 delivers 96 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2829 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Pentium G6960 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $89 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $15 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $69 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2829 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 2007-01-01 |
| Release Year | 2011 |
| 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 | $69 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 2007-01-01 |
| Architecture Codename | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2829 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 81 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 3072 kB (total) |
| Max Frequency | 0.93 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.93 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 382 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 73 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 73 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 17 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 16.38 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Pentium G6960
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Pentium G6960
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