Intel Pentium B960 socket: Socket G2
The Intel Pentium B960 uses the Socket G2 socket. It is a 35 W dual core Sandy Bridge mobile part at 2.2 GHz, the fastest of the early Pentium B trio.
- Socket
- Socket G2
- Launched
- October 2011
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.2 GHz
Intel Pentium B960 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.2 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 B960 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 B960 is
Intel Pentium B960 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in October 2011 for socketed laptops. It runs at a fixed 2.2 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power stays at 35 W on a 32 nm process.
The B960 tops the early B940 to B960 set on clocks. Everyday office work feels direct. It still trails Core i3 M parts in threaded tasks because Hyper-Threading is absent.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 650 MHz to 1100 MHz. The block handles laptop panels at native resolution. Pair it with two DDR3 SODIMMs for the best shared graphics result.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium B960 fits Socket G2 with 988 contacts in FCPGA988 form. Sandy era HM65 and HM67 boards carry it, and later HM76 and HM77 boards boot Sandy parts directly. The BIOS must name the B960.
Retail towers based on mobile boards also used this class of chip. Board support lists still decide each install, regardless of chassis shape.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. The controller runs fitted modules at 1066 or 1333 MT/s. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for wireless, storage and I/O.
Cooling is a 35 W laptop assembly with a fan and heat pipe. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide explains why replacement heatsinks stay board specific.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G2 the B960 already sits at the top of the early Pentium B range, so the next step is a Core i3 M with Hyper-Threading. BIOS support and lid access decide whether the swap is practical. A socketed comparison is Intel Pentium B950.
When the laptop cannot be opened, storage and memory are the only upgrades. A platform move means a new laptop.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium B960 use?
It uses Socket G2 in FCPGA988 form.
Does the Pentium B960 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.2 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium B960 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
What is the upgrade path from a Pentium B960?
It can move to a Core i3 M part where access and BIOS allow it.
Sources and verification
- Intel Pentium B960 Specs (TechPowerUp, 2.2 GHz, 35 W, October 2011)
- Intel Pentium B960 2.2 GHz 2 cores 35 W PGA988 (PassMark)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .