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. The Pentium G6960 is positioned at rank #881 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 G6960

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

19361%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

18294%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

13283%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

4002%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3170%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2773%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1588%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1567%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1427%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1427%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1411%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1373%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1354%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1348%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1336%

#881

Pentium G6960

MSRP: $89|Avg: $15

100%

#882

Core i5-2500T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

100%

#884

Athlon II X2 265

MSRP: $83|Avg: $15

99%

#885

Core i3-2100

MSRP: $117|Avg: $10

99%

#886

A8-3800

MSRP: $130|Avg: $40

98%

#887

Pentium E5200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

97%

#888

Athlon II X2 235e

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

97%

#889

Athlon II X2 250e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $15

97%

#890

Core i7-2600S

MSRP: $297|Avg: $99

97%

#891

Athlon II X2 250u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $15

97%

#892

Core i3-2125

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

97%

#893

Pentium G6951

MSRP: $89|Avg: $50

97%

#895

Celeron G1820

MSRP: $110|Avg: $15

96%

#896

Celeron E1600

MSRP: $53|Avg: $10

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium G6960 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #881 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#881
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