Intel Pentium D 930

The Intel Pentium D 930 is a dual-core desktop processor from Intel, released in January 2006, built on the NetBurst architecture with the Presler codename, and fabricated on a 65 nm process. It operates at a base clock of 3.00 GHz with no boost capability, and while it has a 50th percentile ranking against all CPUs in the database, its average benchmark score is listed as zero, meaning the available data does not provide a direct performance metric to compare against other processors numerically.

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK shows an `avgBenchmarkScore` of 0 and an empty `benchmarks` array, which means no synthetic or composite scores are available for the Pentium D 930. The `percentileVsAllCpus` field indicates a 50th percentile placement, which is the median position among all CPUs ever tested in this database. This percentile is a relative ranking, not an absolute score, so the data suggests that in the absence of measured benchmarks, the processor sits exactly in the middle of the historical distribution of all CPUs, implying that half of all processors ranked below it and half above it.

Because the `nearestRivals` array is empty, there are no direct competitor scores or deltaPct values to reference. This absence of rival comparisons means the benchmark results cannot be contextualized against specific other models. The lack of any numeric benchmark data also means that statements about being ahead of or behind a particular CPU cannot be made with the facts provided. The only interpretable signal is the median percentile, which positions the Pentium D 930 as an average performer in the aggregate database, but without a score, this ranking is purely ordinal and not a measure of magnitude.

The zero average benchmark score is particularly notable; it could indicate that the processor was never tested in the benchmark suite that populates this database, or that its results were excluded. In either case, the data does not support any claim about its computational throughput relative to any other processor. Users looking at this entry should understand that the performance section is effectively blank, and any inference about speed must come from architectural details like the 3.00 GHz base clock and dual-core configuration, not from benchmark numbers.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Pentium D 930 has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning it does not support Hyper-Threading and each core handles exactly one thread. With a base clock of 3.00 GHz and no boost clock, the processor runs at a fixed frequency across all workloads. The L2 cache is organized as 2 MB per die, which translates to 2 MB per core in this dual-die Presler design, and the L1 cache is 16 KB per core. This configuration suggests that single-threaded performance is determined solely by the 3.00 GHz clock speed and the NetBurst pipeline, which is known for deep pipelining and high clock frequencies.

The lack of a boost clock means there is no dynamic frequency scaling, so single-threaded tasks will not see any temporary clock increases. In multi-threaded workloads, the two cores can operate simultaneously, but with only two threads, the scaling from single to multi-threaded is limited to a maximum of 2x, assuming perfect efficiency, which is rarely achievable in real applications. The data does not provide a benchmark split between single-thread and multi-thread scores, so the exact behavior cannot be quantified.

For real workloads, this split implies that applications which are heavily single-threaded, such as older games or legacy office software, will rely entirely on the 3.00 GHz clock and the per-core 2 MB L2 cache. Multi-threaded applications, like video encoding or 3D rendering, can use both cores, but the absence of additional threads (no Hyper-Threading) means the processor cannot handle more than two simultaneous instruction streams. The dual-die design with 2 MB L2 per die also means that inter-core communication may be slower than on a monolithic die, as data must cross the external front-side bus, though the FACT PACK does not specify bus speed.

Power and Thermals

The Pentium D 930 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 95 watts, which classifies it as a mid-to-high power consumption desktop processor for its era. This TDP figure is a design specification that indicates the maximum amount of heat the cooling system must dissipate under typical sustained workloads. The 95 W rating suggests that a capable air cooler is required, as stock coolers from that period were often adequate but not exceptional for such processors.

The processor is built on a 65 nm process node, which is smaller than the earlier 90 nm NetBurst parts, potentially allowing for lower power draw per transistor, but the 3.00 GHz clock and dual-core layout still push the TDP to 95 W. The die size is listed as 2x 81 mm², meaning two separate dies are packaged together, each with its own 2 MB L2 cache, and the total transistor count is 376 million. This dual-die approach can lead to higher power consumption due to the separate cache arrays and the need for power delivery to both dies.

For cooling, a 95 W TDP typically requires a tower-style air cooler or a high-end downdraft cooler, but the FACT PACK does not specify any cooling tier or thermal solution. The data also does not provide actual temperature measurements or power draw under load, so the thermal behavior can only be inferred from the TDP class. Users should expect that this processor generates significant heat, and any system build must account for adequate case airflow and a cooler rated for at least 95 W of dissipation.

Platform and Compatibility

The Pentium D 930 uses the Intel Socket 775 interface, which is also known as LGA775. The processor is based on the NetBurst architecture with the Presler codename, and it is part of the Pentium D generation. Memory support is listed as DDR1, DDR2, or DDR3, but the FACT PACK explicitly notes that the actual memory type depends on the motherboard, meaning the processor itself does not enforce a specific memory standard; rather, the chipset on the motherboard determines compatibility. The memory bus is dual-channel, which allows for increased bandwidth compared to single-channel operation, but the memory bandwidth figure is not provided.

The processor does not have integrated graphics; the FACT PACK states that integrated graphics are "On certain motherboards (Chipset feature)," which means any video output must come from a discrete graphics card, and the chipset on the motherboard may provide an integrated solution if present. PCIe support is listed as `null`, so the data does not specify which PCIe generation or lane configuration is available; this is likely determined by the chipset rather than the CPU itself.

ECC memory is not supported, so the processor cannot be used in systems that require error-correcting memory for data integrity in server or workstation environments. The upgrade path from this processor is limited to other Socket 775 CPUs, but the FACT PACK does not list which specific models are compatible. The production status is end-of-life, meaning Intel no longer manufactures this processor, and the launch MSRP was $178, which is a historical price and not a current market value.

How It Compares

Since the `nearestRivals` array is empty, there are no direct rival processors with names, scores, or deltaPct values to compare against. The data provides no comparative performance metrics, so the Pentium D 930 cannot be positioned against any specific competitor in the database. The only comparative signal is the 50th percentile ranking, which is a global measure against all CPUs, not a head-to-head comparison.

In the absence of rival data, the comparison must rely on architectural facts from the FACT PACK. The 3.00 GHz base clock is relatively high for a dual-core processor of its time, and the 2 MB L2 per die provides a substantial cache for each core. However, the lack of a boost clock and the absence of Hyper-Threading mean that its peak performance is capped at the fixed clock speed. The 95 W TDP places it in a similar power class to other high-end desktop CPUs from the same era, but without specific rival scores, no deltaPct can be calculated.

The empty `nearestRivals` field is a clear indication that this database entry lacks the comparative data necessary for a typical analysis. Users seeking a performance comparison should look elsewhere, as this page cannot provide relative performance percentages. The percentile ranking is the only numeric comparison available, and it is too coarse to offer meaningful insight beyond a median position.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the Intel Pentium D 930?

A: The base clock speed is 3.00 GHz, and there is no boost clock listed.

Q: How many cores and threads does the Pentium D 930 have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning no Hyper-Threading support.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The thermal design power is 95 watts.

Q: Which socket does the Pentium D 930 use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket 775 interface.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What was the launch MSRP of the Pentium D 930?

A: The launch MSRP was $178.

Who Should Consider It

The Pentium D 930 is a dual-core processor with a 3.00 GHz base clock and a 50th percentile ranking, but with no benchmark scores, its suitability for specific workloads can only be inferred from its architecture. For gaming, the lack of a boost clock and only two threads means that modern games that rely on higher single-thread performance will be limited, but older games from the mid-2000s that were designed for dual-core CPUs may run adequately. The 2 MB L2 per core is generous for that era, which could help with cache-sensitive workloads.

For content creation, the dual cores can handle basic video encoding or image processing, but the absence of Hyper-Threading limits multitasking within a single application. The 95 W TDP and end-of-life status suggest this is not a processor for new builds, but rather for retro systems or testing legacy software. Office workloads, such as word processing or spreadsheet tasks, are typically single-threaded, so the 3.00 GHz clock would be sufficient for basic productivity applications, but the overall system speed will depend heavily on the motherboard and memory type (DDR1, DDR2, or DDR3).

Given the zero average benchmark score and empty rivals list, this processor is best suited for users who are specifically interested in the NetBurst architecture or Presler codename, or who need a period-correct CPU for a vintage system. The 65 nm process and dual-die design are notable historical points, but for modern workloads, the data does not support a recommendation for high-performance tasks. The median percentile suggests it is neither exceptionally fast nor slow among all CPUs, but without scores, this is a weak endorsement at best.