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 G870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,562 points. Launch price was $97.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium G870 is positioned at rank #836 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 G870

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

17165%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

16219%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

11776%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3548%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2810%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2458%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1408%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1390%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1265%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1265%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1251%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1217%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1200%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1195%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1185%

#836

Pentium G870

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

100%

#837

Athlon II X2 210e

MSRP: $60|Avg: $28

100%

#838

Pentium G645

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

100%

#840

Pentium G630

MSRP: $75|Avg: $46

99%

#841

Core i5-2550K

MSRP: $235|Avg: $46

99%

#842

Athlon II X4 600e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

99%

#843

Core i7-4785T

MSRP: $306|Avg: $32

99%

#844

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

99%

#845

Core i5-4690S

MSRP: $306|Avg: $189

99%

#846

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

98%

#847

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

98%

#848

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

98%

#849

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

98%

#851

Core i3-3240T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $8

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium G870 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium G870 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium G870 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 3.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, 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 1,562, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Pentium G870
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.1 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	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,562

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium G870 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Pentium G870
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
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 G870 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 G870
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 $15 (MSRP: $86), the Pentium G870 delivers 104 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #836 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2768 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium G870
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$86
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$97
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#836
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2768
Release DateLaunch date	3 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel