Intel Pentium D 945
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Pentium D 945 Specifications
Pentium D 945 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Pentium D 945 features 2 physical cores and 2 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
Pentium D 945 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Pentium D 945 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Pentium D 945 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Pentium D 945 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Pentium D 945 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Pentium D 945's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
NetBurst Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Pentium D 945 is built on Intel's 65 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Pentium D 945 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
NetBurst Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Pentium D 945 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Pentium D 945 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Pentium D 945 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 775 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Pentium D 945 uses the Intel Socket 775 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 775 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Pentium D 945 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Pentium D 945 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Pentium D 945 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Pentium D 945 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the Pentium D 945 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Pentium D 945 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Pentium D 945 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Pentium D 945 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Pentium D 945 Benchmark Scores
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Pentium D 945 across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation.
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Pentium D 945 can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance.
About Intel Pentium D 945
The Intel Pentium D 945 processor launched in mid‑2006 as a 65 nm dual‑core offering a solid 3.40 GHz base clock. With a 95 W TDP it sits on the higher end of the power envelope for its era, demanding a robust cooling solution. Its two physical cores and two threads deliver 284 points in Geekbench’s multi‑core test, while the single‑core score of 159 reflects the modest per‑core efficiency of the architecture. For everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and media playback, the chip feels competent but not spectacular, especially when compared to later quad‑core designs. The 775 socket compatibility means it can still be dropped into many legacy boards, giving hobbyists a cheap upgrade path. Overall, the processor provides a respectable baseline for users who need more than a single‑core Pentium 4 without breaking the bank.
When it comes to gaming, the Pentium D 945 shows its age but can still hold its own in older titles and less demanding indie games. The 3.40 GHz frequency pushes modest frame rates in games that rely heavily on single‑core performance, such as early Counter‑Strike or classic strategy titles. However, modern AAA releases quickly run into bottlenecks, as the two‑core layout and limited cache struggle with multi‑threaded engines. Pairing the chip with a mid‑range GPU from the same era, like a Radeon X1950 or GeForce 6600, yields playable 720p experiences in many games released before 2008. Benchmarks reveal that the CPU contributes roughly 30‑40 % of the total frame time in those scenarios, leaving the graphics card to carry the load. Gamers looking for a nostalgic or budget build can still enjoy a decent library, but they should temper expectations for current titles.
At its launch price of $163, Intel's 945 dual‑core offered a compelling price‑to‑performance ratio for budget‑conscious builders. Adjusted for inflation, the cost remains attractive for retro‑gaming rigs where the goal is to squeeze every dollar out of older hardware. The Geekbench scores translate to roughly 1.75 points per dollar, a metric that was competitive against contemporary AMD Athlon 64 X2 models. While the power draw is higher than some rivals, the performance per watt is acceptable given the era’s manufacturing limits. For users who already own a compatible LGA 775 motherboard, the upgrade cost is essentially just the CPU itself, making it a low‑risk investment. In a market flooded with cheap quad‑core options today, the Pentium D 945 still holds a niche value proposition for those chasing a specific retro performance envelope.
Motherboard support for this CPU is straightforward thanks to its LGA 775 socket, which was the workhorse of mainstream desktops for several years. Most boards based on the Intel 945 or 975 chipsets provide the necessary power phases to handle the 95 W TDP without additional modifications. BIOS updates released in the late 2000s added microcode patches that improve stability and compatibility with newer memory modules, though the processor remains limited to DDR2‑667 at best. Users should verify that the board’s BIOS version supports the 3.40 GHz stepping to avoid boot issues. Additionally, the platform’s PCI‑Express 1.0 lane configuration can become a bottleneck for modern GPUs, but it is sufficient for the era‑appropriate graphics cards that pair well with this chip. Overall, the combination of socket compatibility and mature chipset drivers makes integration hassle‑free for enthusiasts building a legacy system.
The AMD Equivalent of Pentium D 945
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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