Pentium G870
CPU·Budget

Pentium G870

Intel

PassMark

1,562

MSRP

$86

AVG Price

$15

3 June 2012 (13 years ago)
65 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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 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. 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

#341
FX-9370
MSRP: $42|Avg: $60
102%
#342
Core i5-11500T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $120
102%
#343
Core i5-6400T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $40
102%
#344
Athlon II X2 240
MSRP: $60|Avg: $10
102%
#345
Ryzen 7 5700X3D
MSRP: $249|Avg: N/A
101%
#346
Core i5-4590
MSRP: $192|Avg: $51
101%
#347
Ryzen 3 8300GE
MSRP: $129|Avg: $129
101%
#348
Core i3-13100T
MSRP: $134|Avg: $122
101%
#349
A6-3650
MSRP: $115|Avg: $20
101%
#350
Athlon II X2 220
MSRP: $32|Avg: $10
100%
#351
Core i5-10600T
MSRP: $213|Avg: $110
100%
#352
Athlon II X2 270u
MSRP: $68|Avg: $10
100%
#353
Ryzen 3 3200G
MSRP: $100|Avg: $67
100%
#354
Core Ultra 9 285
MSRP: $589|Avg: $550
100%
#355
Core i9-13900KS
MSRP: $699|Avg: $580
100%
#356
Pentium G870
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
100%
#357
Athlon II X2 260
MSRP: $60|Avg: $12
100%
#358
Ryzen 5 2400G
MSRP: $169|Avg: $84
100%
#359
Ryzen 9 9950X3D
MSRP: $699|Avg: $675
100%
#360
Athlon II X3 420e
MSRP: $107|Avg: $15
100%
#361
Ryzen 3 PRO 4350G
MSRP: $149|Avg: $105.5
100%
#362
Core i7-13700
MSRP: $384|Avg: $350
99%
#363
Pentium G620
MSRP: $64|Avg: $12
99%
#364
Core i5-3475S
MSRP: $249|Avg: $42
99%
#365
Athlon 200GE
MSRP: $55|Avg: $40
99%
#366
Core i5-13500E
MSRP: $235|Avg: $235
98%
#367
Core i5-650
MSRP: $176|Avg: $22
98%
#368
Celeron G1620T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $15
98%
#369
Core i5-12500E
MSRP: $225|Avg: $200
98%
#370
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
MSRP: $150|Avg: $10
98%
#371
FX-9590
MSRP: $350|Avg: $100
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.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

1080p
low27 FPS
medium20 FPS
high10 FPS
ultra5 FPS
1440p
low15 FPS
medium10 FPS
high4 FPS
ultra2 FPS
4k
low8 FPS
medium4 FPS
high3 FPS
ultra2 FPS
Call of Duty: Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra28 FPS
Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra35 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

1080p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
1440p
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low39 FPS
medium39 FPS
high39 FPS
ultra39 FPS

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.

SpecificationPentium G870
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)69 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,562
🧠

Memory & Platform

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

SpecificationPentium G870
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

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.

SpecificationPentium G870
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 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. Performance ranking position: #2768 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationPentium 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
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2768
Release DateLaunch date3 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
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

Typedesktop
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$97
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date3 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Architecture CodenameSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position2768

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores2
Threads2
Die Size131 mm2
L1 Cache64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache3 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Max Frequency3.1 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency3.1 GHz
Transistor Count504 million
Process Technology32 nm
Max Core Temperature69 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPCIe 2.0
Power Consumption (TDP)65 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth21 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity32 GB

Our Recommendation for Pentium G870

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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