Intel Pentium B950 socket: Socket G2
The Intel Pentium B950 uses the Socket G2 socket. It is a 35 W dual core Sandy Bridge mobile part at 2.1 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
- 2.1 GHz
Intel Pentium B950 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.1 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 B950 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 B950 is
Intel Pentium B950 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in June 2011 for socketed laptops. It runs at a fixed 2.1 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 with 624 million transistors on a 149 mm2 die.
The 100 MHz step over the B940 trims waits in office apps. Sales started June 19, 2011 at a $134 recommended price. Fixed clocks keep fleet images stable.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 650 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block covers laptop displays and video playback. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide places this rPGA part against soldered forms.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium B950 fits Socket G2 with 988 contacts in FCPGA988 form. HM65 and HM67 boards from the Sandy wave carry it, and HM76 plus HM77 boards accept Sandy parts. The BIOS must list B950 by name.
A board that omits the string may refuse to boot even when the chipset matches. Check the maker CPU list before buying a used laptop for parts.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. Two matched modules help the shared graphics block. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0. Lanes feed wireless, storage and card readers.
Cooling follows the 35 W mobile pattern with a single fan and board specific heatsink. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes laptop heatsinks stay board specific.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G2 the B950 can move to the B960, or to a Core i3 M with Hyper-Threading where lid access and firmware allow it. Memory and storage move with the board. A nearby socketed reference is Intel Pentium B940.
A full platform change needs a new laptop. Keep the old body for spare use.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium B950 use?
It uses Socket G2 in FCPGA988 form.
How is the Pentium B950 different from the B940?
The B950 runs at 2.1 GHz instead of 2.0 GHz. Cache, power and socket match.
What memory does the Pentium B950 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Can the Pentium B950 be upgraded?
Yes, where the laptop allows access and the BIOS lists the faster part.
Sources and verification
- Intel Pentium B950 Notebook Processor (Notebookcheck, 2.1 GHz, 35 W, 650 to 1100 MHz)
- List of Intel Pentium processors (Wikipedia, B950 2.1 GHz Socket G2 June 2011)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .