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Overview

The Pentium G860 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,485 points. Launch price was $75.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium G860 is positioned at rank #861 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 G860

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

18050%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

17055%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

12383%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3731%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2955%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2585%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1481%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1461%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1331%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1330%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1316%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1280%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1262%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1257%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1246%

#298

Core i9-7960X

MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185

95%

#861

Pentium G860

MSRP: $86|Avg: $36

100%

#862

Athlon II X2 245

MSRP: $66|Avg: $15

99%

#863

Core i7-2700K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $45

99%

#865

Core i5-4670K

MSRP: $328|Avg: $200

99%

#866

Core i5-3330S

MSRP: $231|Avg: $30

98%

#867

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

98%

#868

Athlon II X4 630

MSRP: $129|Avg: $15

98%

#869

A6-7400K

MSRP: $101|Avg: $43

96%

#870

Core i7-4765T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

96%

#871

Core i7-4770TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $303

96%

#872

Core i5-4570T

MSRP: $195|Avg: $45

96%

#873

Athlon II X2 260u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

96%

#875

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

95%

#876

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium G860 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium G860 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium G860 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,485, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium G860
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	504 million
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,485

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium G860 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Pentium G860
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Pentium (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Pentium G860 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Pentium G860
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium G860 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Pentium G860
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $36 (MSRP: $86), the Pentium G860 delivers 41 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #861 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2805 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium G860
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$86
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$36
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$75
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#861
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2805
Release DateLaunch date	4 September 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel