Intel Pentium B980 socket: Socket G2
The Intel Pentium B980 uses the Socket G2 socket. It is a socketed 35 W dual core Sandy Bridge mobile part at 2.4 GHz.
- Socket
- Socket G2
- Launched
- September 2012
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 2
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Sandy Bridge
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Pentium
- Clocks
- 2.4 GHz
Intel Pentium B980 specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 2 |
| Core architecture | Sandy Bridge cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.4 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 B980 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 B980 is
Intel Pentium B980 is a dual core Sandy Bridge mobile processor that Intel released in September 2012 as the fastest B series dual. It runs at a fixed 2.4 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. The 100 MHz step over the B970 is the only change in kind.
Graphics are Intel HD Graphics for Sandy Bridge at 650 MHz to 1150 MHz. The block covers laptop panels and video without a card. The controller takes DDR3 at 1066 or 1333 MT/s.
Late 2012 laptops pair it with HM76 or HM77 boards and small SSDs for a direct low cost feel. Fixed clocks keep fleet behavior predictable. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide contrasts this serviceable PGA part with soldered BGA twins.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Pentium B980 fits Socket G2 with 988 contacts in FCPGA988 form. Mobile 7 series boards accept Sandy parts directly, while 6 series boards carry early Sandy firmware. The BIOS must list the exact B980 string.
At 35 W any Socket G2 cooler of that class covers it. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains the board order.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory support is DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB. Matched pairs help shared graphics. ECC is not supported.
PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 2.0 for Wi-Fi and storage. Most B980 bodies skip discrete graphics.
Cooling is a 35 W single fan design. Fresh paste during fan service holds fixed clocks.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G2 the Pentium B980 can step to Core i3 and i5 M parts where access and BIOS allow it. A faster Pentium is not available above this model, so the next useful move is a Core i3 with Hyper-Threading. Memory and storage carry over. A dual reference is Intel Pentium 2020M.
A platform move means a new laptop. Keep the old body for classroom duty after a wipe.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Pentium B980 use?
It uses Socket G2 in FCPGA988 form.
How is the Pentium B980 different from the B970?
Base is 2.4 GHz instead of 2.3 GHz. Cache, power and graphics match.
What memory does the Pentium B980 use?
DDR3-1066 and 1333, two channels, up to 16 GB.
Can the Pentium B980 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 .