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Overview

The Pentium Silver J5040 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,252 points. Launch price was $161.

Value Upgrade Path

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MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Pentium Silver J5040 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Pentium Silver J5040 specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Pentium Silver J5040 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB of L3 cache, plus 4 MB (total) of L2 cache and 56 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,252, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 435, while multi-core reaches 1,180. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 1,640.

Specification	Pentium Silver J5040
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	4 MB (total)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	56 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	93 mm2
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,252
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	1,640
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	435
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,180

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Memory & Platform

The Pentium Silver J5040 fits into the FCBGA1090 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 6 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 / LPDDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 605 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Pentium Silver J5040
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1090
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	6
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2400 / LPDDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel UHD Graphics 605
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Gemini Lake Refresh SoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

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Advanced Features

The Pentium Silver J5040 is primarily designed for Mini-PC. Virtualization: VT-x / VT-d / EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Pentium Silver J5040
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mini-PC
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x / VT-d / EPT

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Power & Cooling

The Pentium Silver J5040 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 10 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: Passive.

Specification	Pentium Silver J5040
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	10 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Passive

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2175 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Pentium Silver J5040
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$161
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2175
Release DateLaunch date	4 November 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel