Intel Pentium D 950
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Pentium D 950 Specifications
Pentium D 950 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Pentium D 950 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 950 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Pentium D 950 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 950 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Pentium D 950 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Pentium D 950 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 950'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 950 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 950 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
NetBurst Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Pentium D 950 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 950 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Pentium D 950 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130W, 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 950 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 950 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 950 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 950 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Pentium D 950 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 950 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 950 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Pentium D 950 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 950 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Pentium D 950 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About Intel Pentium D 950
The Intel Pentium D 950 (Intel) drops into the classic LGA 775 socket and brings two physical cores built on a 65 nm process, a relic of the early multi‑core era. Its architecture is basically two single‑core NetBurst cores stitched together, so you get the old‑school deep pipeline and hefty front‑side bus, but without the hyper‑threading tricks that came later. At a base clock of 3.40 GHz it punches above its weight for a 2006 launch, though there’s no turbo boost to speak of it just runs flat out at that frequency. For Gen Z gamers who love retro builds, this chip feels like a nostalgic power‑plant that still cranks out decent single‑thread performance for older titles.
When it comes to power draw, the Pentium D 950 is a thirsty beast, sporting a 130 W TDP that was considered massive even back in the day. That heat output means you’ll need a robust cooling solution think a decent tower cooler or even a liquid loop if you’re pushing the case to its limits. The high TDP also translates to noticeable electricity usage, which can be a downside for eco‑conscious setups, but it’s part of the trade‑off for that raw clock speed. In short, expect the power bill to reflect the “big‑energy” vibe of this dual‑core relic.
Cache-wise, the chip carries a modest 2 MB of L2 cache, split evenly between the two cores, and no L3 cache to speak of. While that sounds tiny by modern standards, the larger L2 per core helped mitigate latency back when the front‑side bus was the bottleneck. The lack of a shared cache hierarchy means each core operates more independently, which can be a plus for workloads that don’t need heavy inter‑core communication. Still, the limited cache size caps the chip’s ability to handle large data sets efficiently, so it shines best in lighter, more linear tasks.
Target use cases for this processor revolve around legacy gaming rigs, home‑theater PCs, and budget‑friendly workstations that don’t need the latest AVX instructions. It’s a solid pick for running classic Windows XP/7 titles, basic video encoding, and even some light 3D rendering when paired with a decent GPU. Because it’s a dual‑core without hyper‑threading, modern multi‑threaded applications will feel the strain, but for single‑threaded software it still holds its own. In the vintage enthusiast community, the Pentium D 950 remains a go‑to for building nostalgic systems that deliver a punch of old‑school horsepower.
The AMD Equivalent of Pentium D 950
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
Popular Intel Pentium D 950 Comparisons
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