Pentium M 780
CPU·Budget

Pentium M 780

Intel

PassMark

575

2007-01-01
27 Watt
Dothan (2004−2005)

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 M 780 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 27 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 575 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Pentium M 780 is positioned at rank #807 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 M 780

#795
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
1225%
#796
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
1207%
#797
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
1108%
#798
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
1103%
#799
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
1093%
#801
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
1055%
#802
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
1012%
#803
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
1010%
#804
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
983%
#807
Pentium M 780
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#809
Athlon II M320
MSRP: $75|Avg: $15
100%
#810
Celeron B800
MSRP: $80|Avg: $5
100%
#811
Celeron B710
MSRP: $86|Avg: $10
100%
#812
Athlon II Neo K345
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
99%
#818
Core i7-8709G
MSRP: $338|Avg: $150
98%
#819
Celeron M 560
MSRP: $86|Avg: $10
97%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium M 780 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Pentium M 780 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture, manufactured on a 90 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.03 GHz from a base frequency of 2.26 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache and 32 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 575, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationPentium M 780
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost0.03 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.26 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designDothan (2004−2005)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient90 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache32 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor87 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities144 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency533 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportNo
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
Core Voltage Range1.26V-1.404V
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score575
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Memory & Platform

The Pentium M 780 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR2 memory at speeds up to DDR2-533 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

SpecificationPentium M 780
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyPentium M
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR2
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR2-533
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorNo
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU915GM,945GT
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: false — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationPentium M 780
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyfalse
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Pentium M 780 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 27 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationPentium M 780
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload27 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #807 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3460 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationPentium M 780
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#807
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3460
Release DateLaunch date2007-01-01
Release Year2005
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Pentium M 780

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