Intel Pentium B970 socket: Socket G2
The Intel Pentium B970 uses the Socket G2 socket. It is a socketed 35 W dual core Sandy Bridge mobile part at 2.3 GHz.
- Socket
- Socket G2
- Launched
- January 2012
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.3 GHz
Intel Pentium B970 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.3 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 1150 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCPGA988 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Pentium B970 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 B970 is
Intel Pentium B970 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in January 2012 for low cost socketed laptops. It runs at a fixed 2.3 GHz with no turbo and no Hyper-Threading, so 2 cores give 2 threads. Cache is 2 MB Intel Smart Cache. Power is rated at 35 W on a 32 nm process.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 650 MHz to 1150 MHz. The high ceiling helps video playback on laptop panels without a card. The controller takes DDR3 SODIMMs at 1066 or 1333 MT/s.
Two cores at fixed clocks cover classroom and office multitasking of the period. Laptops pair it with HM65 or HM77 boards and spinning drives. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows how to confirm the socketed package.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium B970 fits Socket G2 with 988 contacts in FCPGA988 form. Mobile 6 series HM65 and HM67 boards carry early Sandy designs, while 7 series HM76 and HM77 accept Sandy parts directly. The BIOS must list the exact B970 string.
At 35 W any Socket G2 heatsink of that class covers it. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide notes laptop cooling stays board specific.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. Two SODIMMs feed shared graphics. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for Wi-Fi and storage. Most B970 laptops stay on integrated graphics.
Cooling is a 35 W single fan assembly. Cleaning holds the fixed 2.3 GHz behavior under school loads.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G2 the Pentium B970 can move to faster Pentium duals, Core i3 and i5 M parts where access and BIOS allow it. Memory and storage carry over. A close reference is Intel Celeron 1020M on the same socket.
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 B970 use?
It uses Socket G2 in FCPGA988 form.
Does the Pentium B970 have Hyper-Threading?
No. Two cores give 2 threads at a fixed 2.3 GHz.
What memory does the Pentium B970 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Can the Pentium B970 be replaced?
Yes, in socketed laptops with manual access and BIOS support.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .