Intel Pentium B940 socket: Socket G2
The Intel Pentium B940 uses the Socket G2 socket. It is a 35 W dual core Sandy Bridge mobile part at 2.0 GHz for socketed laptops.
- Socket
- Socket G2
- Launched
- June 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.0 GHz
Intel Pentium B940 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz (no turbo) |
| Cache | 2 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 35 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 2.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics (650 MHz to 1100 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCPGA988 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium B940 needs a motherboard with a Socket G2 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the Socket G2 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
Socket G2 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 988 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | January 2011 |
| Memory | DDR3 and DDR3L, two channels, 1066 to 1600 MT/s |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Pentium B940 is
Intel Pentium B940 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in June 2011 for socketed budget laptops. It runs at a fixed 2.0 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is 35 W on a 32 nm process.
Pentium B parts sit above Celeron B in clocks while keeping the same 35 W envelope. Office suites and browsing feel direct at 2.0 GHz. The chip lacks threads for heavy multitasking.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 650 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block drives laptop panels and external monitors. Memory is DDR3 at 1066 or 1333 MT/s in two channels.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium B940 fits Socket G2 with 988 contacts in FCPGA988 form. HM65 and HM67 boards carry early Sandy designs, while HM76 and HM77 accept Sandy parts directly. The BIOS must list the exact B940 string.
Board makers publish the final CPU lists. A board that omits the string may refuse to boot even when the chipset matches. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains why the list outranks the chipset name.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. Matched SODIMMs help shared graphics. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for wireless and storage. Most B940 laptops stay on integrated graphics.
Cooling is a 35 W laptop fan assembly sized per chassis. Cleaning restores sustained clocks.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G2 the B940 can move to the B950 or B960 for higher clocks, or to a Core i3 M with Hyper-Threading where access and BIOS allow it. Storage and memory carry over. A nearby Pentium reference is Intel Pentium B960.
A platform move means a new laptop. Keep the old body for basic tasks after wiping the drive.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium B940 use?
It uses Socket G2 in FCPGA988 form.
Does the Pentium B940 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.0 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium B940 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Can the Pentium B940 be replaced?
Yes, in socketed laptops with manual access and BIOS support.
Sources and verification
- List of Intel Pentium processors (Wikipedia, B940 2.0 GHz 650 to 1100 MHz Socket G2 June 2011)
- Intel Pentium B940 2.0 GHz 2 cores 35 W (Intel CTP Metrics, 2M Cache)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .