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Pentium
First Pentium logo (1993)
General information
LaunchedMarch 22, 1993; 32 years ago (1993-03-22)
Discontinued2023; 2 years ago (2023)[1]
Marketed byIntel
Designed byIntel
Common manufacturer
  • Intel
Performance
Max. CPU clock rate60 MHz to 4.4 GHz
FSB speeds50 MHz to 800 MT/s
DMI speeds2 GT/s to 16 GT/s
Architecture and classification
Technology node800 nm to Intel 7
Microarchitecture
Instruction setIA-32, x86-64
Instructionsx86
Physical specifications
Cores
  • 1-5
Sockets
Products, models, variants
Brand names
Variant
History
Predecessori486
SuccessorsCore, Intel Processor
Pentium logos
1993–2003
2003–2006
2006–2009
2009–2013
2013–2015
2015–2020
2020–2023

Pentium is a series of x86 architecture-compatible microprocessors produced by Intel from 1993 to 2023. The original Pentium was Intel's fifth generation processor, succeeding the i486; Pentium was Intel's flagship processor line for over a decade until the introduction of the Intel Core line in 2006. Pentium-branded processors released from 2009 onwards were considered mid-range budget products[2][3] positioned above the entry-level Atom and Celeron series, but below the faster Core lineup and workstation/server Xeon series.

The later Pentiums, which have little more than their name in common with earlier Pentiums, were based on both the architecture used in Atom and that of Core processors. In the case of Atom architectures, Pentiums were the highest performance implementations of the architecture. Pentium processors with Core architectures prior to 2017 were distinguished from the faster, higher-end i-series processors by lower clock rates and disabling some features, such as hyper-threading, virtualization and sometimes L3 cache. In 2017, the Pentium brand was split up into two separate lines using the Pentium name: Pentium Silver, aiming for low-power devices using the Atom and Celeron architectures; and Pentium Gold, aiming for entry-level desktop and using existing architectures such as Kaby Lake or Coffee Lake.

In September 2022, Intel announced that the Pentium and Celeron brands were to be replaced with the new "Intel Processor" branding for low-end processors in laptops from 2023 onwards.[1] This applied to desktops using Pentium processors as well, and was discontinued around the same time laptops stopped using Pentium processors in favor of "Intel Processor" processors in 2023.

Overview

[edit]

During development, Intel generally identifies processors with codenames, such as Prescott, Willamette, Coppermine, Katmai, Klamath, or Deschutes. These usually become widely known, even after the processors are given official names on launch.[4]

The original Pentium-branded CPUs were expected to be named 586 or i586, to follow the naming convention of prior generations (286, i386, i486). However, as the firm wanted to prevent their competitors from branding their processors with similar names (as AMD had done with their Am486), Intel filed a trademark application on the name in the United States, but was denied because a series of numbers was considered to lack trademark distinctiveness.[5] Instead, they would name their processors as "Pentium" rather than using numbers, which Andrew Grove wanted to trademark that generation processor.[6]

Following Intel's prior series of 8086, 80186, 80286, 80386, and 80486 microprocessors, the firm's first P5-based processor was released as the original Intel Pentium on March 22, 1993. Marketing firm Lexicon Branding was hired to coin a name for the new processor. The suffix -ium was chosen as it could connote a fundamental ingredient of a computer, like a chemical element,[7] while the prefix pent- could refer to the fifth generation of x86.[5]

Due to its success, the Pentium brand would continue through several generations of high-end processors. In 2006, the name briefly disappeared from Intel's technology roadmaps,[8][9] only to re-emerge in 2007.[10]

In 1998, Intel introduced the Celeron[11] brand for low-priced processors. With the 2006 introduction of the Intel Core brand as the company's new flagship line of processors, the Pentium series was to be discontinued. However, due to a demand for mid-range dual-core processors, the Pentium brand was repurposed to be Intel's mid-range processor series, between the Celeron and Core series, continuing with the Pentium Dual-Core line.[12][13][14]

In 2009, the "Dual-Core" suffix was dropped, and new x86 processors started carrying the plain Pentium name again.

In 2014, Intel released the Pentium 20th Anniversary Edition, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Pentium brand. These processors are unlocked and highly overclockable. From 2015 onwards, the "20th Anniversary Edition" wordmark was dropped from the name, branding it simply as the Pentium.

In 2017, Intel split the Pentium branding into two line-ups. Pentium Silver targets low-power devices and shares architecture with Atom and Celeron, while Pentium Gold targets entry-level desktops and uses existing architecture, such as Kaby Lake and Coffee Lake.

In September 2022, Intel announced that the Pentium and Celeron brands were to be replaced with the new "Intel Processor" branding for low-end processors in laptops from 2023 onwards.[1] This applied to desktops using Pentium and Celeron processors as well, and both brands were discontinued in 2023 in favor of "Intel Processor" branded processors.

Intel Pentium processor family
Brand Microarchitecture Desktop Laptop Server
Pentium
Pentium OverDrive
P5 P5 (0.8 μm)
P54C (0.6 μm)
P54CS (0.35 μm)
Pentium MMX
Pentium OverDrive MMX
P55C (0.35 μm)
Tillamook (0.25 μm)
Pentium Pro P6 P6 (0.5 μm)
P6 (0.35 μm)
Pentium II
Pentium II Xeon
Pentium II OverDrive
Mobile Pentium II
Klamath (0.35 μm)
Deschutes (0.25 μm)
Tonga (0.25 μm)
Dixon (0.25 μm)
Dixon (0.18 μm)
Drake (0.25 μm)
Pentium III
Pentium III Xeon
Mobile Pentium III
Pentium III M
Katmai (0.25 μm)
Coppermine (180 nm)
Tualatin (130 nm)
Coppermine (180 nm)
Tualatin(130 nm)
Tanner (0.25 μm)
Cascades (180 nm)
Pentium 4
Pentium 4 Extreme Edition
NetBurst Willamette (180 nm)
Northwood (130 nm)
Gallatin (130 nm)
Prescott-2M (90 nm)
Prescott (90 nm)
Cedar Mill (65 nm)
Northwood (130 nm)
Prescott (90 nm)
Rebranded as Xeon
Pentium D
Pentium Extreme Edition
Smithfield (90 nm)
Presler (65 nm)
Pentium M P6 based Banias (130 nm)
Dothan (90 nm)
Pentium Dual-Core Yonah (65 nm)
Core Allendale (65 nm)
Wolfdale-3M (45 nm)
Merom-2M (65 nm)
Pentium Core Wolfdale-3M (45 nm) Penryn-3M (45 nm)
Nehalem Clarkdale (32 nm) Arrandale (32 nm)
Sandy Bridge Sandy Bridge (32 nm)
Ivy Bridge Ivy Bridge (22 nm)
Haswell Haswell (22 nm)
Broadwell Broadwell (14 nm)
Skylake Skylake (14 nm) Braswell; Goldmont
Kaby Lake Kaby Lake (14 nm) Goldmont Plus (Gemini Lake)
Coffee Lake Coffee Lake (14 nm)
Comet Lake Comet Lake (14 nm)

Pentium-branded processors

[edit]
The die of a Pentium processor in its package
Intel Pentium 120MHz die shot

P5 microarchitecture based

[edit]

The original Intel P5 or Pentium and Pentium MMX processors were the superscalar follow-on to the 80486 processor and were marketed from 1993 to 1999. Some versions of these were available as Pentium OverDrive that would fit into older CPU sockets.

Pentium

[edit]
Core p Process Clock rates L1 cache FSB Socket Release date
P5 0.8 μm 60–66 MHz 16 KB 60–66 MHz Socket 4 March 1993
P54C 0.6 μm 75–120 MHz 16 KB 50–66 MHz Socket 5 October 1994
P54CS 0.35 μm 133–200 MHz 16 KB 60–66 MHz Socket 7 June 1995
P55C 0.35 μm 120–233 MHz 32 KB 60–66 MHz Socket 7 January 1997[15]
Tillamook 0.25 μm 166–300 MHz 32 KB 66 MHz Socket 7 August 1997

P6 microarchitecture based

[edit]
A 100 MHz Pentium (ICOMP=815) processor manufactured in 1996

In parallel with the P5 microarchitecture, Intel developed the P6 microarchitecture and started marketing it as the Pentium Pro for the high-end market in 1995. It introduced out-of-order execution and an integrated second-level cache on dual-chip processor package. The second P6 generation replaced the original P5 with the Pentium II and rebranded the high-end version as Pentium II Xeon. It was followed by a third version named the Pentium III and Pentium III Xeon respectively. The Pentium II line added the MMX instructions that were also present in the Pentium MMX.

Versions of these processors for the laptop market were initially named Mobile Pentium II and Mobile Pentium III, later versions were named Pentium III-M. Starting with the Pentium II, the Celeron brand was used for low-end versions of most Pentium processors with a reduced feature set such as a smaller cache or missing power management features.

Pentium Pro

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L2 cache FSB Socket Release date
P6 0.5 μm 150 MHz 256 KB 60–66 MHz Socket 8 November 1995
P6 0.35 μm 166–200 MHz 256–1024 KB 60–66 MHz Socket 8

Pentium II

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L2 cache FSB Socket Release date
Klamath 0.35 μm 233–300 MHz 512 KB 66 MHz Slot 1 May 1997
Deschutes 0.25 μm 266–450 MHz 512 KB 66–100 MHz Slot 1 January 1998
Tonga 0.25 μm 233–300 MHz 512 KB 66 MHz MMC-2 April 1998
Dixon 0.25 μm 266–366 MHz 256 KB 66 MHz MMC-2 January 1999

Pentium III

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L2 cache FSB Socket Release date
Katmai 0.25 μm 450–600 MHz 512 KB 100–133 MHz Slot 1 February 1999
Coppermine 0.18 μm 400 MHz–1.13 GHz 256 KB 100–133 MHz Slot 1, Socket 370, BGA2, μPGA2 October 1999
Tualatin 0.13 μm 700 MHz–1.4 GHz 512 KB 100–133 MHz Socket 370, BGA2, μPGA2 July 2001

NetBurst microarchitecture based

[edit]

In 2000, Intel introduced a new microarchitecture named NetBurst, with a much longer pipeline enabling higher clock frequencies than the P6-based processors. Initially, these were named Pentium 4, and the high-end versions have since been named simply Xeon. As with Pentium III, there are both Mobile Pentium 4 and Pentium 4 M processors for the laptop market, with Pentium 4 M denoting the more power-efficient versions. Enthusiast versions of the Pentium 4 with the highest clock rates were named Pentium 4 Extreme Edition.

The Pentium D was the first multi-core Pentium, integrating two Pentium 4 chips in one package and was available as the enthusiast Pentium Extreme Edition.

Pentium 4

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L2 cache FSB rates Socket Release date
Willamette 180 nm 1.3–2.0 GHz 256 KB 400 MT/s Socket 423, Socket 478 November 2000
Northwood 130 nm 1.6–3.4 GHz 512 KB 400 MT/s–800 MT/s Socket 478 January 2002
Gallatin 130 nm 3.2–3.46 GHz 512 KB + 2 MB L3 800–1066 MT/s Socket 478, LGA 775 November 2003
Prescott 90 nm 2.4–3.8 GHz 1 MB 533 MT/s–800 MT/s Socket 478, LGA 775 February 2004
Prescott-2M 90 nm 2.8–3.8 GHz 2 MB 800–1066 MT/s LGA 775 February 2005
Cedar Mill 65 nm 3.0–3.6 GHz 2 MB 800 MT/s LGA 775 January 2006

Pentium D

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L2 cache FSB rates Socket Release date
Smithfield 90 nm 2.66–3.2 GHz 2 MB 533–800 MT/s LGA 775 May 2005
Smithfield XE 90 nm 3.2 GHz 2 MB 800 MT/s LGA 775 May 2005
Presler 65 nm 2.8–3.6 GHz 4 MB 800 MT/s LGA 775 January 2006
Presler XE 65 nm 3.46–3.73 GHz 4 MB 1066 MT/s LGA 775 January 2006

Pentium M microarchitecture based

[edit]

In 2003, Intel introduced a new processor based on the P6 microarchitecture named Pentium M, which was much more power-efficient than the Mobile Pentium 4, Pentium 4 M, and Pentium III M. Dual-core versions of the Pentium M were developed under the code name Yonah and sold under the marketing names Core Duo and Pentium Dual-Core. Unlike Pentium D, it integrated both cores on one chip. From this point, the Intel Core brand name was used for the mainstream Intel processors, and the Pentium brand became a low-end version between Celeron and Core. All Pentium M based designs including Yonah are for the mobile market.

Pentium M

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L1 cache L2 cache FSB Socket Release date
Banias 130 nm 0.9–1.7 GHz 64 KB 1 MB 400 Mhz (== MT/s) Socket 479 March 2003
Dothan 90 nm 1.00–2.26 GHz 64 KB 2 MB 400–533 Mhz (== MT/s) FC-uBGA June 2004

Pentium Dual-Core

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L1 cache L2 cache FSB rates Socket Release date
Yonah 65 nm 1.6–1.86 GHz 64 KB 1 MB 533 MT/s Socket M January 2007

Core microarchitecture based

[edit]

The Pentium Dual-Core name continued to be used when the Yonah design was extended with 64-bit support, now named the Core microarchitecture. This eventually replaced all NetBurst-based processors across the four brands Celeron, Pentium, Core, and Xeon. Pentium Dual-Core processors based on the Core microarchitecture use the Allendale and Wolfdale-3M designs for desktop processors and Merom-2M for mobile processors.

Pentium Dual-Core

[edit]
Pentium Dual Core logo
Core Process Clock rates L1 cache L2 cache FSB rates Socket Release date
Merom-2M 65 nm 1.46–2.16 GHz 64 KB 1 MB 533–667 MT/s Socket P Q4 2007
Allendale 65 nm 1.6–2.4 GHz 64 KB 1 MB 800 MT/s Socket 775 June 2007
Wolfdale-3M 45 nm 2.2–2.7 GHz 64 KB 2 MB 800 MT/s Socket 775 August 2008

Pentium (2009)

[edit]
Core Process Clock rates L1 cache L2 cache FSB rates Socket Release date
Wolfdale-3M 45 nm 2.8–3.2 GHz 64 KB 2 MB 1066 MT/s Socket 775 May 2009
Penryn-3M 45 nm 2.0–2.3 GHz 64 KB 1 MB 800 MT/s Socket P January 2009
Penryn-3M ULV 45 nm 1.3–1.5 GHz 64 KB 2 MB 800 MT/s BGA 956 September 2009
Penryn-L ULV 1 45 nm 1.3–1.4 GHz 64 KB 2 MB 800 MT/s BGA 956 May 2009
Codename Brand name Model (list) Cores L2 cache Socket TDP
Allendale Pentium Dual-Core E2xxx 2 1 MB LGA 775 65 W
Merom-2M Mobile Pentium Dual-Core T2xxx
T3xxx
2 1 MB Socket P 35 W
Wolfdale-3M Pentium Dual-Core E2xxx 2 1 MB LGA 775 65 W
E5xxx 2 MB
Pentium E6xxx
Penryn-3M Mobile Pentium T4xxx 2 1 MB Socket P 35 W
SU4xxx 2 MB μFC-BGA 956 10 W
Penryn-L SU2xxx 1 5.5 W

In 2009, Intel changed the naming system for Pentium processors, renaming the Wolfdale-3M based processors to Pentium, without the Dual-Core name, and introduced new single- and dual-core processors based on Penryn under the Pentium name.

The Penryn core is the successor to the Merom core and Intel's 45 nm version of their mobile series of Pentium processors. The FSB frequency is increased from 667 MHz to 800 MHz, and the voltage is lowered. Intel released the first Penryn Core, the Pentium T4200, in December 2008. In June 2009, Intel released the first single-core processor to use the Pentium name, a Consumer Ultra-Low Voltage (CULV) Penryn core named Pentium SU2700.

In September 2009, Intel introduced the Pentium SU4000 series together with the Celeron SU2000 and Core 2 Duo SU7000 series, which are dual-core CULV processors based on Penryn-3M and using 800 MHz FSB. The Pentium SU4000 series has 2 MB L2 cache but is otherwise basically identical to the other two lines.

Nehalem microarchitecture based

[edit]

The Nehalem microarchitecture was introduced in late 2008 as a successor to the Core microarchitecture, and in early 2010, a new Pentium G6950 processor based on the Clarkdale design was introduced based on the Westmere refresh of Nehalem, which were followed by the mobile P6xxx based on Arrandale a few months later.

Core Process Clock rates L2 cache L3 cache I/O bus Socket Release date
Clarkdale 32 nm 2.8 GHz 512 KB 3 MB DMI Socket 1156 January 2010
Arrandale 32 nm 1.2–1.86 GHz 512 KB 3 MB DMI Socket 988
BGA
Q2 2010
Codename Brand name L3 cache Socket TDP Features
Clarkdale Pentium G6xxx 3 MB LGA 1156 73 W Integrated GPU
Arrandale Pentium P6xxx 3 MB LGA 1156 35 W Integrated GPU
Pentium U5xxx BGA 18 W

On January 7, 2010, Intel launched a new Pentium model using the Clarkdale chip in parallel with other desktop and mobile CPUs based on their new Westmere microarchitecture. The first model in this series is the Pentium G6950. The Clarkdale chip is also used in the Core i3-5xx and Core i5-6xx series and features a 32 nm process (as it is based on the Westmere microarchitecture), integrated memory controller and 45 nm graphics controller and a third-level cache. In the Pentium series, some features of Clarkdale are disabled, including AES-NI, hyper-threading (versus Core i3), and the graphics controller in the Pentium runs at 533 MHz, while in the Core i3 i3-5xx series they run at 733 MHz, and Dual Video Decode that enables Blu-ray picture-in picture hardware acceleration, and support for Deep Color and xvYCC.[citation needed] The memory controller in the Pentium supports DDR3-1066 max, the same as the Core i3 i3-5xx series.[16] The L3 cache is also 1 MB less than in the Core i3-5xx series.

Sandy Bridge microarchitecture based

[edit]

The Sandy Bridge microarchitecture was released in the Pentium line on May 22, 2011.

  • aAll models share the following details: 2 cores, 2 logical processors (4 on Pentium 3xx with hyper-threading), CPUID signature 206A7, family 6 (06h), model 42 (02Ah), stepping 7 (07h)
  • bTranslation lookaside buffer (TLB) and cache 64-byte prefetching; data TLB0 2-MB or 4-MB pages, 4-way associative, 32 entries; data TLB 4-KB pages, 4-way set associative, 64 entries; instruction TLB 4-KB pages, 4-way set associative, 128 entries, L2 TLB 1-MB, 4-way set associative, 64-byte line size; shared 2nd-level TLB 4 KB pages, 4-way set associative, 512 entries.
  • cAll models feature: on-chip floating-point unit, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST), Intel 64, XD bit (an NX bit implementation), Intel VT-x, Smart Cache.
  • dAll models support: MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2
  • eHD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) contain 6 EUs and HD Graphics 2000, but does not support these technologies: Intel Quick Sync Video, InTru 3D, Clear Video HD, Wireless Display, 3D Video, or 3D graphics acceleration.
Codename Brand namea L3 cacheb Socket TDP Featuresc,d
Sandy Bridge Pentium 3xx 3 MB LGA 1155 15 W hyper-threading, ECC
Pentium 9x7 2 MB BGA1023 17 W Integrated GPU
Pentium B9x0 2 MB rPGA988B 35 W Integrated GPU
Pentium G6xxT[17] 3 MB,
8-way set associative,
64 byte line size
LGA 1155 35 W Integrated GPUe
Pentium G6xx[18] 65 W
Pentium G8xx[19][20] 3 MB,
12-way set associative,
64 byte line size
Sandy Bridge-EN Pentium 140x 5 MB LGA 1356 40–80 W ECC, AVX, TXT, Intel VT-d, AES-NI

Ivy Bridge microarchitecture based

[edit]

Currently, there exist Ivy Bridge models G2010, G2020, G2120, G2030, and G2130. All are dual-core and have no hyper-threading or Turbo Boost. They were the last processors that were made by Intel under the Pentium brand to fully support Windows XP and Vista.

Codename Brand name L3 cache Socket TDP Notes
Ivy Bridge G2010, G2020, G2030, G2120,[21] G2130 3 MB LGA 1155 55 W w/o hyper-threading

Haswell microarchitecture based

[edit]

Several Haswell-based Pentium processors were released in 2013, among them the G3258 "Anniversary Edition", first released in 2014 by Intel to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the line. As with prior-generation Pentium processors, Haswell and Haswell Refresh-based parts have two cores only, lack support for hyper-threading, and use the LGA1150 socket form factor.

Broadwell microarchitecture based

[edit]

Broadwell-based Pentiums[specify] were launched in Q1 2015 using a 14 nm process (e.g. the dual-core 1.9 GHz Intel Pentium 3805U with 2 MB cache). They used the FCBGA1168 socket.

Skylake microarchitecture based

[edit]

Skylake-based Pentium processors support up to 64 GB RAM. Features like Turbo Boost, Intel vPro, Hyper-Threading are not available. Supports AES-NI and RDRAND.[22]

Integrated graphics are provided by Intel HD Graphics 510, utilizing a maximum of 1.7 GB of memory, for resolutions up to 4096×2304 @ 60 Hz using Display Port supporting up to 3 displays.[23]

Skylake-based Pentium processors are the last Intel processors made under the Pentium brand on which Windows earlier than Windows 10 are officially supported by Microsoft,[24] although enthusiast-created modifications are available that disabled the Windows Update check and allowed Windows 8.1 and earlier to continue to receive Windows Updates on this and later platforms.[25][26][27]

Kaby Lake microarchitecture based

[edit]

In Q1 2017 Intel released the Kaby Lake-based Pentium G4560; it is the first Pentium-branded CPU since the NetBurst-based Pentium 4 to support hyper-threading, a feature available in some "Core"-branded products. Features include a clock speed of 3.5 GHz with four threads, 3 MB of L3 cache and Intel HD 610 integrated graphics.

Coffee Lake microarchitecture based

[edit]

All Coffee Lake Pentium processors support Hyper-threading,[28] and integrated Intel UHD Graphics.

Comet Lake microarchitecture based

[edit]

All Comet Lake Pentium processors support Hyper-threading, and integrated Intel UHD 610 Graphics.

Pentium-compatible Intel processors

[edit]

Due to its prominence, the term "Pentium-compatible" is often used to describe any x86 processor that supports the IA-32 instruction set and architecture. Even though they do not use the Pentium name, Intel also manufactures other processors based on the Pentium series for other markets. Most of these processors share the core design with one of the Pentium processor lines, usually differing in the amount of CPU cache, power efficiency or other features. The notable exception is the Atom line, which is an independent design.

  • Celeron, a low-end version
  • Core, the mainstream version including Core 2, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9, now placed above Pentium
  • Xeon, a high-end version used in servers and workstations
  • A100 (discontinued), an ultra-mobile version of Pentium M, succeeded by Intel Atom
  • EP80579, a system-on-a-chip based on Pentium M
  • Xeon Phi, a high-end version used in servers and workstations
  • Intel Quark, a now-discontinued, low-power reimplementation of the Pentium architecture for use as microcontroller and in other embedded applications

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Pentium is a longstanding brand of x86-compatible microprocessors developed and manufactured by , first introduced on March 22, 1993, as the successor to the 80486 processor family and marking Intel's fifth-generation x86 architecture. The original Pentium, codenamed P5, pioneered superscalar execution in the x86 lineup, featuring two parallel integer pipelines capable of processing up to two instructions per clock cycle, an integrated 64-bit , and approximately 3.1 million transistors on a 0.8-micrometer process. Over its three-decade evolution, the Pentium name has encompassed diverse processor generations, transitioning from high-end desktop flagships in the 1990s to mid-range and eventually entry-level offerings. Key milestones include the (1995), which introduced server-oriented features like on-package L2 cache and a 256-bit data path; the (1997), adopting packaging and MMX instructions for multimedia acceleration; the (1998), adding SSE for enhanced floating-point performance; and the (2000), based on the architecture with hyper-pipelining for clock speeds exceeding 1 GHz. By the mid-2000s, dual-core variants like the (2005) addressed multicore , while the brand was repositioned below the new Core series in 2006, serving as a value-oriented line for consumer PCs. In the , Pentium processors targeted budget desktops, laptops, and embedded systems, incorporating architectures derived from Intel's Core lineup but with reduced core counts and features for cost efficiency. The brand was discontinued in 2023, with entry-level processors rebranded as "Intel Processor". These processors emphasized reliable everyday performance for web browsing, office tasks, and light media consumption, while continues to provide updates and driver support for existing models beyond 2025.

Overview

Brand origins and significance

The Pentium brand originated with Intel's development of its fifth-generation x86 microprocessor, designed as a direct successor to the 80486 processor to advance performance in personal computing. Announced in early , this chip marked a significant evolution in Intel's , incorporating advanced features to meet the growing demands of desktop applications and multitasking environments. The name "Pentium" derives from the Greek word penta, meaning "five," reflecting its position as the fifth iteration in Intel's x86 processor lineage after the 8086, 80286, 80386, and 80486. Initially codenamed "586" to follow the numerical convention, Intel shifted to the trademarkable word-based name to better protect its branding in the competitive market. This rebranding helped establish Pentium as a recognizable flagship for high-end consumer and professional systems. Positioned as a premium desktop CPU, the original Pentium targeted segments, directly challenging rivals like AMD's and Cyrix's 6x86, which offered compatible alternatives at lower costs. Its key innovations included a superscalar design enabling dual instruction pipelines for improved throughput, an integrated (FPU) for enhanced mathematical computations, and a 64-bit external data bus that doubled compared to the 80486's 32-bit bus. These advancements significantly boosted and floating-point performance, setting new benchmarks for PC capabilities in the mid-1990s. The processor launched with initial models at 60 MHz and 66 MHz speeds in May 1993, with OEM pricing set at $878 for the 60 MHz version and $965 for the 66 MHz variant in quantities of 1,000 units. This pricing underscored its premium status, though rapid adoption drove subsequent price reductions and speed increases, solidifying Pentium's role in propelling the PC industry toward mainstream multimedia and productivity applications.

Timeline and discontinuation

The Pentium brand debuted with the original P5 microprocessor on March 22, 1993, marking Intel's entry into superscalar x86 processing. Subsequent milestones included the in 1995, which introduced advanced features like for servers and workstations. The followed in 1997, shifting to a cartridge design and integrating MMX instructions for multimedia applications. In 1999, the added SSE instructions and higher clock speeds, enhancing performance for emerging and 3D graphics workloads. The launched on November 20, 2000, based on the with a focus on high clock speeds up to 3.8 GHz by 2004. Mobile variants evolved with the in 2003, prioritizing power efficiency over raw speed for laptops. A major shift occurred in 2005 with the , Intel's first dual-core desktop processor using cores to address growing multithreading demands. By 2006, models adopted the new Core , improving efficiency and compared to prior generations. From 2008 onward, Pentium processors integrated into Intel's mainstream Core lines, with models like the Pentium E-series (introduced in 2007–2010, Core 2-based) and later Nehalem- and Westmere-based options serving as value-oriented alternatives. This trend continued through the , with Pentium branding applied to entry-level Core-derived chips, including the Pentium G series in the and culminating in the Pentium Gold G7400 in January 2022, a dual-core Alder Lake-based processor for basic desktop tasks. Intel announced the discontinuation of the Pentium brand on September 16, 2022, phasing it out alongside for entry-level processors starting in Q1 2023 in favor of a simplified "Intel Processor" designation. The move aimed at brand simplification to reduce consumer confusion and overlap with low-end Core i3 models, while allowing to prioritize high-performance segments like AI-accelerated computing. The last new Pentium designs were released in 2022, with the brand phased out starting in 2023 and final shipments to OEMs concluding by late 2024. As of 2025, legacy Pentium support persists through existing inventory and software updates, but no new SKUs under the brand are produced.

P5 and P6 microarchitecture processors

Original Pentium (P5)

The original Pentium processor, based on the P5 microarchitecture and introduced by Intel in March 1993, represented a significant advancement over the 80486 by adopting a superscalar design capable of executing multiple instructions simultaneously. This architecture featured two parallel integer pipelines—designated U-pipe and V-pipe—allowing up to two simple integer instructions to be processed per clock cycle, alongside a dedicated floating-point unit (FPU) for handling arithmetic operations. The integer pipelines each consisted of five stages (prefetch, decode stages 1 and 2, execute, and write-back), while the FPU employed an eight-stage pipeline supporting IEEE 754 standards with 32-bit, 64-bit, and 80-bit precision, achieving one-cycle throughput for basic operations despite a three-cycle latency. Branch prediction was implemented via a 256-entry, four-way set-associative Branch Target Buffer (BTB), which mitigated pipeline stalls by predicting taken branches without delay when accurate. These features enabled an instructions-per-cycle (IPC) rate of approximately 1.5 to 2.0, roughly doubling the performance of the single-issue 80486 at equivalent clock speeds. Initial Pentium chips were fabricated using a 0.8-micrometer BiCMOS , incorporating 3.1 million transistors on a die measuring 294 mm², with power consumption ranging from 11.9 W average (15.3 W maximum) at 60 MHz to around 20 W at higher speeds due to the 5 V supply. Later variants shifted to 0.6-micrometer and 0.35-micrometer for improved . The processor launched with clock speeds of 60 MHz and 66 MHz using the interface, followed by Socket 5 models from 75 MHz to 200 MHz (e.g., Pentium 75, 90, 100, 120, 133, 150, 166, and 200), which supported up to 32-bit address buses and 64-bit data paths for enhanced bandwidth. Socket 7 variants extended compatibility with later motherboards, maintaining similar speed ranges. Key variants included the processors, designed as upgrade chips for 486 systems, available at speeds like 63 MHz and 83 MHz to boost in legacy setups. In January 1997, released Pentium MMX variants on , operating at 166 MHz to 233 MHz and adding 57 new multimedia instructions for improved video and audio processing, though these retained the core P5 architecture. benchmarks highlighted these gains; for instance, a 100 MHz Pentium achieved SPECint92 scores around 100-105, scaling to approximately 200-210 at 200 MHz, establishing about 4-5 times the of a comparable 80486 in UNIX workloads. A notable issue arose in late 1994 with the discovery of the FDIV bug, a floating-point division error stemming from omitted entries in the FPU's for the SRT , which inaccurately rounded results in approximately 1 in 27,000 divisions for random inputs. Affecting roughly 5% of chips produced, the flaw prompted widespread scrutiny and a free replacement program by , ultimately costing the company $475 million in charges and recalls. The bug was resolved in subsequent manufacturing revisions without altering the core design.

Pentium Pro (P6)

The Pentium Pro, codenamed P6, was Intel's first processor based on the P6 microarchitecture, released on November 1, 1995, and designed primarily for high-end workstations and servers to handle demanding 32-bit applications. It marked a significant evolution from the prior P5 architecture by introducing Dynamic Execution, a set of innovations including advanced branch prediction, dataflow analysis, and speculative execution to optimize instruction throughput. The core design employed a 3-issue superscalar pipeline with out-of-order execution, allowing up to three instructions to be dispatched, renamed, and executed simultaneously from a reservation station buffer, while maintaining in-order retirement for precise exception handling. Fabricated initially on a 0.6-micrometer process and later refined to 0.35 micrometers, the processor supported clock speeds from 150 MHz to 200 MHz and featured a unique single-edge connector (SEC) cartridge that integrated the CPU die with L2 cache modules—typically 256 KB or 512 KB running at full core speed, with a 1 MB option available for the top 200 MHz model. This internal cache integration provided low-latency access but contributed to elevated production costs due to the (MCM) assembly. Performance benchmarks highlighted its strengths in integer workloads, with the 200 MHz achieving a SPECint95 score of 8.71, representing about 70% improvement over the Pentium in tasks thanks to the first use of a 64-bit internal data path for cache and execution units, despite a 32-bit external bus. Variants remained confined to enterprise segments, as the high cost—stemming from the complex MCM design and low yields—limited broader adoption, prompting to develop a more affordable successor by integrating the P6 core into the consumer-focused with external cache. With a thermal design power of up to 29 W at higher speeds, the Pentium Pro generated notable heat, necessitating an integrated aluminum fin heatsink on the cartridge for passive or forced-air cooling in typical server environments.

Pentium II (P6)

The Pentium II processor, introduced in May 1997, represented Intel's first consumer-targeted implementation of the P6 microarchitecture, building on the Pentium Pro's design while incorporating enhancements for multimedia workloads. The initial Klamath core, fabricated using a 0.35-micron process, launched at clock speeds of 233 MHz, 266 MHz, and 300 MHz, with 512 KB of L2 cache and support for MMX instructions to accelerate graphics and audio processing. In January 1998, Intel followed with the Deschutes core revision, shrunk to a 0.25-micron process for improved efficiency and higher frequencies ranging from 266 MHz to 450 MHz, maintaining compatibility with the same platform while reducing power draw. These processors featured a 32 KB L1 cache split evenly between instruction and data, along with advanced branch prediction and superscalar execution to handle complex workloads more effectively than prior generations. A key design innovation was the shift to a Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge packaging, known as , which housed the CPU die and off-die L2 cache (typically 512 KB in later models) on a removable module connected via a 242-pin edge connector. This cartridge approach allowed for easier integration of the L2 cache at half the processor's core speed, balancing cost and performance, though it increased overall size compared to traditional pin-grid array designs. The inclusion of MMX technology extended the instruction set with 57 new operations optimized for single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) processing, enabling faster handling of video encoding, , and image manipulation tasks. This release necessitated a platform transition from the interface used by the original Pentium and Pentium MMX processors to the incompatible , which supported a 66 MHz and required new chipsets like the 440FX, rendering older motherboards obsolete for upgrades. Performance gains were notable, particularly in ; for instance, the achieved up to twice the 3D throughput of the Pentium MMX 233 MHz in the Norton Multimedia Benchmark, thanks to architectural refinements and MMX acceleration. Overall integer and floating-point performance also improved by 30-50% at equivalent clocks over the Pentium MMX, establishing stronger capabilities for emerging consumer applications like editing. In April 1998, Intel expanded the lineup with the Mobile Pentium II variant, optimized for notebook computers with reduced voltage (1.7-2.0 V) and power consumption under 20 W, starting at 233 MHz and 266 MHz using the Tonga core derivative. These mobile versions retained core P6 features like MMX but incorporated dynamic voltage scaling for better battery life. The Pentium II rapidly dominated the consumer desktop market from 1997 to 1999, powering over 80% of new PC shipments and serving as the foundation for previews of the subsequent processor, which would add SSE instructions for further multimedia advancements.

Pentium III (P6)

The Pentium III processor, codenamed Katmai, was introduced by Intel in February 1999 as the successor to the Pentium II, marking the final major evolution of the P6 microarchitecture for mainstream desktop use. Initial models operated at clock speeds ranging from 450 MHz to 600 MHz, fabricated on a 0.25-micron process, and utilized the Slot 1 packaging interface for compatibility with existing P6-based systems. This release focused on enhancing multimedia and Internet-related workloads, building directly on the Pentium II's consumer-oriented design while introducing capabilities tailored for emerging digital content applications. A defining feature of the Pentium III was the introduction of Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE), a set of 70 new instructions designed to accelerate single-precision floating-point operations and parallel data processing for multimedia tasks such as video encoding, 3D graphics, and audio processing. SSE extended the MMX instruction set by adding dedicated 128-bit XMM registers and support for non-temporal memory operations, enabling up to 2x performance gains in 3D transformation and lighting workloads compared to the Pentium II. In floating-point benchmarks like SPECfp2000, SSE contributed to notable improvements; for instance, a 1.0 GHz Coppermine-based Pentium III achieved a SPECfp2000 score of 284, reflecting enhanced vectorized computation efficiency over prior P6 generations without SSE. Subsequent revisions refined the for better integration and . The Coppermine variant, launched in October 1999, shrank the process node to 0.18 microns and integrated 256 KB of full-speed on-die L2 cache, boosting overall performance and reducing latency compared to the off-die cache of earlier models; clock speeds ranged from 500 MHz to 1.4 GHz, with support for Socket 370. The Tualatin core, introduced in 2001 on a 0.13-micron process, further improved power —reaching up to 1.4 GHz with 512 KB L2 cache—while maintaining SSE support and enabling lower in later models. Coppermine's shift to Flip-Chip (FC-PGA) packaging facilitated easier installation on Socket 370 motherboards and unlocked potential through accessible voltage and bus adjustments, a popular modification among enthusiasts. The Pentium III line concluded mainstream production in 2001, with the Tualatin representing the pinnacle of P6 refinements before Intel transitioned to the microarchitecture in the Pentium 4. Later revisions like Tualatin demonstrated superior power efficiency, with models at equivalent frequencies consuming up to 30% less power than Katmai due to process shrinks and cache optimizations. This evolution solidified the P6's legacy in balancing performance, compatibility, and cost for consumer and professional computing.

NetBurst microarchitecture processors

Pentium 4

The Pentium 4 processor, Intel's first implementation of the NetBurst microarchitecture, was introduced on November 20, 2000, with the Willamette core operating at initial clock speeds of 1.4 GHz and 1.5 GHz, scaling up to 2.0 GHz. Fabricated on a 0.18-micron process with 42 million transistors, it utilized Socket 423 initially, later transitioning to Socket 478 for improved compatibility and overclocking support. The design emphasized aggressive clock speed increases to achieve multi-GHz performance, marking a shift from the efficiency-focused P6 architecture used in prior Pentium models. At the heart of the NetBurst microarchitecture was a deep, hyper-pipelined design featuring a 20-stage integer pipeline to enable higher clock frequencies, though this resulted in increased branch misprediction penalties compared to shallower pipelines. A key innovation was the trace cache, serving as the L1 instruction cache and holding up to 12,000 decoded micro-operations (μops) in trace format to reduce decode overhead and deliver up to three μops per clock cycle to the execution units. The architecture included a double-pumped arithmetic logic unit (ALU) running at twice the core clock for integer operations, 256 KB of L2 cache in early models, and support for SSE and SSE2 instructions to enhance multimedia workloads. This GHz-centric approach prioritized raw frequency for marketing appeal over instructions per cycle (IPC), leading to performance that lagged behind contemporaries like the AMD Athlon in some integer tasks despite higher clocks. Subsequent variants refined the design for better efficiency and performance. The Northwood core, launched in January 2002 on a 0.13-micron process with 55 million transistors, boosted clock speeds to 1.6–3.4 GHz, doubled L2 cache to 512 KB, and retained while improving power delivery with a new scheme. The Prescott core followed in February 2004, shrinking to 0.09-micron with 125 million transistors, supporting clocks from 2.4–3.8 GHz, expanding L2 cache to 1 MB, and introducing instructions for enhanced vector processing; it also extended the to 31 stages for further clock scaling. The final iteration, Cedar Mill in January 2006, used a 0.065-micron process with 188 million transistors, offered 2 MB L2 cache, clocks up to 3.6 GHz, and added Virtualization Technology (VT-x) in select models, though it marked the end of single-core development. Hyper-Threading Technology (HT), introduced in November 2002 with the 3.06 GHz Northwood model, enabled by presenting the single-core processor as two logical processors to the operating system, improving throughput in threaded workloads by up to 30% through better utilization of execution resources. Integrated were not a standard feature of the CPU itself, though some chipsets like Intel's 8xx series provided onboard options for budget systems, which were uncommon in high-performance configurations. Despite its innovations, the Pentium 4 faced criticism for performance inefficiencies, with IPC roughly 15–20% lower than the P6-based at equivalent clocks, necessitating higher frequencies to compete and resulting in elevated power consumption—peaking at 115 W TDP for later Prescott models. This led to increased heat output and cooling demands, contributing to higher system costs and environmental concerns. Nonetheless, the Pentium 4 dominated the desktop PC market throughout the early , powering the majority of consumer systems and enabling the shift to GHz-era , though its efficiency drawbacks accelerated the transition to the Core microarchitecture by 2006.

Pentium D

The Pentium D was Intel's first dual-core desktop processor under the Pentium brand, introduced in May 2005 as part of the microarchitecture family. The initial models, codenamed Smithfield, were manufactured on a and featured clock speeds ranging from 2.66 GHz to 3.2 GHz, with each processor incorporating two cores each with 1 MB of L2 cache (totaling 2 MB) and supporting the socket. The Smithfield design was a consisting of two separate Prescott-derived dies. These processors were designed to address growing demands for multitasking and parallel processing in desktop applications, marking Intel's shift toward multi-core computing on the existing platform. In late 2005 and early 2006, Intel released the Presler-based Pentium D processors on a , which improved upon Smithfield by providing independent 2 MB L2 caches per core (totaling 4 MB) and supporting higher clock speeds up to 3.6 GHz. Unlike the initial Smithfield design, which lacked shared cache between cores, Presler introduced minor architectural tweaks for better efficiency, though it retained the core without in standard models. The Pentium Extreme Edition variants, targeted at enthusiasts, added for four threads per processor; notable examples include the 840 model at 3.2 GHz (Smithfield, released April 2005) and the 955 at 3.46 GHz (Presler, released January 2006). These Extreme Edition processors also featured unlocked multipliers for and were produced through 2006. Performance-wise, the Pentium D excelled in multi-threaded workloads compared to single-core predecessors, enabling better handling of simultaneous tasks like video encoding and browsing. However, it faced criticism for high power consumption and thermal output, with thermal design powers (TDP) of 95 W or 130 W depending on the model, leading to inefficiencies relative to contemporary processors. The series represented the final iteration of NetBurst-based desktop Pentiums, with production ceasing in 2006 as Intel transitioned to the more efficient Core microarchitecture.

Mobile Pentium developments

Pentium M

The Pentium M processor, introduced in March 2003, represented Intel's renewed focus on mobile computing with the Banias core, a derivative of the P6 microarchitecture optimized for laptops. Fabricated on a 0.13-micron process with 77 million transistors, it featured clock speeds ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 GHz, a 400 MHz front-side bus, and 1 MB of on-die L2 cache, enabling efficient performance in power-constrained environments. Unlike the power-hungry NetBurst-based mobile Pentium 4, the Pentium M prioritized balanced execution over raw clock speed, incorporating SSE2 support for multimedia tasks while maintaining compatibility with existing x86 software. Key design enhancements over prior P6 implementations included an improved branch prediction unit with hybrid bi-mode prediction, which reduced misprediction penalties and power consumption by better anticipating in workloads. The processor integrated Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, allowing seamless transitions between performance and battery-saving modes to extend runtime. With a (TDP) of 24-27 W for standard models, it achieved lower heat output than contemporaries, packaged in BGA or micro-PGA formats compatible with Socket 479, and notably omitted to further conserve energy. These features made it a cornerstone of Intel's platform, combining the CPU with integrated and for optimized mobile systems. In 2004, Intel followed with the Dothan core variant, shrinking the process to 0.09 microns with 140 million transistors for greater and efficiency, supporting clock speeds from 1.3 to 2.2 GHz, a doubled 2 MB L2 cache, and an upgraded 533 MHz . This iteration retained the core P6 enhancements but added micro-ops fusion for better instruction throughput and deeper sleep states, maintaining the 24-27 W TDP range while boosting overall performance by up to 20% in mobile benchmarks compared to . Dothan solidified the Pentium M's role in and ultraportable designs, emphasizing sustained battery life over peak throughput. Overall, the delivered superior battery life—up to 20% longer than mobile or systems in typical usage—while matching or exceeding their performance at equivalent power levels, establishing it as a pivotal in mobile processors. Its power-efficient P6 refinements laid the groundwork for subsequent mobile lines, including the Core Solo and Core Duo, though it remained distinctly branded under Pentium for single-core laptop applications until phased out in 2009.

Mobile Pentium Dual-Core variants

The Mobile Pentium Dual-Core processors represented Intel's entry-level dual-core offerings for laptops, introduced as a more affordable alternative to the Core Duo and later Core 2 Duo lines, focusing on balanced performance and power efficiency for mainstream . Based on the Yonah core, the initial models launched in early 2007 with clock speeds ranging from 1.60 GHz to 1.86 GHz, fabricated on a , featuring two cores sharing 1 MB of L2 cache, a 533 MHz (FSB), and support for Socket M or P. These processors included instructions for enhanced multimedia processing and Intel Enhanced SpeedStep Technology for dynamic , with a (TDP) of up to 35 W, making them suitable for ultraportable and thin-and-light notebooks. Unlike higher-end siblings, the Yonah-based variants lacked 64-bit (Intel 64) support, prioritizing 32-bit compatibility and cost reduction. Subsequent variants transitioned to the Merom core in mid-2007, expanding the lineup with speeds up to 2.16 GHz while retaining the and 1 MB shared L2 cache, but introducing options for a 667 MHz or 800 MHz FSB and DDR2 support for improved bandwidth. These models added 64-bit extension support, enabling broader software compatibility, and select configurations incorporated LaGrande security technology (later known as ) for enhanced platform protection against software-based attacks. Integrated into Intel's Duo and Pro platforms, such as the Santa Rosa , the Merom-based Mobile Dual-Cores delivered efficient multitasking for office productivity and light media tasks, with power consumption optimized for battery life in mobile environments. Representative examples include the T2370 at 1.73 GHz and the T3400 at 2.16 GHz, both with 35 W TDP. By 2008, the lineup evolved to the Penryn core on a , shrinking die size for better efficiency while boosting clock speeds to a maximum of 2.3 GHz, with 1 MB L2 cache and an 800 MHz FSB for faster data transfer. These processors maintained dual-core design, support, Enhanced , and 64-bit capabilities, alongside Execute Disable Bit for , with TDP remaining at 35 W to suit ultraportables. The Penryn variants, such as the T4300 at 2.1 GHz and T4500 at 2.3 GHz, provided incremental performance gains in power-sensitive scenarios, emphasizing conceptual improvements in thermal efficiency and integration with updated platforms. Production of Mobile processors phased out around 2010, as Intel transitioned to newer Core-based lines while maintaining Pentium branding for budget mobile processors until later generations.
CoreExample ModelClock SpeedProcessL2 CacheFSBTDPKey Features
YonahT20601.60 GHz65 nm1 MB shared533 MHz35 W, Enhanced SpeedStep, 32-bit
MeromT23701.73 GHz65 nm1 MB shared533/800 MHz35 W, 64, LaGrande (select), DDR2
PenrynT45002.3 GHz45 nm1 MB shared800 MHz35 WSSE4.1, 64, Enhanced SpeedStep

Core processors

Desktop Pentium Dual-Core

The Desktop processors, introduced by in June 2007, marked the entry into the Core microarchitecture era for budget dual-core desktop CPUs, utilizing the Allendale core derived from the Conroe design. Initial models like the E2140 (1.6 GHz) and E2160 (1.8 GHz) operated on a with a shared 1 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz , and support for DDR2-800 memory on Socket 775 platforms. Subsequent variants in the E2000 series, such as the E2180 (2.0 GHz), E2200 (2.2 GHz), and E2220 (2.4 GHz), followed with similar architecture but higher clock speeds, all maintaining a 65 W (TDP). These processors featured a dual-core layout without , leveraging Intel's wide dynamic execution engine for enhanced , including , macro-fusion, and advanced branch prediction to deliver improved performance over prior generations. They supported (Intel 64), MMX, SSE, , , and instructions, but lacked virtualization technology (Intel VT-x) in early models. With a focus on power efficiency, the design reduced TDP compared to predecessors while enabling compatibility with mainstream desktop chipsets like Intel's 965 and later series. In 2008, Intel expanded the lineup with 45 nm Wolfdale-based models, such as the E5200 (2.5 GHz), with higher-end variants like the E6800 (3.33 GHz) following in 2010. These offered 2 MB L2 cache and up to 1066 MHz FSB in higher-end variants while retaining the 65 W TDP for sustained efficiency. Overall, the Desktop line positioned as an affordable dual-core option, delivering about 70-80% of the Core 2 Duo's performance in multi-threaded tasks due to halved cache but with superior power efficiency—up to 30% lower consumption than NetBurst equivalents at similar workloads. Targeted at budget desktops, these processors bridged entry-level single-cores and premium Core 2 Duo models, emphasizing value for everyday like web browsing, office applications, and light multitasking. Their design shared architectural similarities with mobile variants, such as shared cache and execution units, but optimized for higher TDPs in stationary systems.

Pentium E-series (2009 refresh)

The Pentium E-series refresh consisted of dual-core desktop processors based on Intel's Wolfdale core, fabricated using a node, serving as an update to the prior 65 nm Conroe-based designs in the Pentium lineup. These models targeted entry-level needs, offering enhanced efficiency and performance for basic multitasking and productivity tasks during the transition to operating systems like Windows 7. Released starting in late 2008 and continuing through 2010, the series marked Intel's continued use of the Core microarchitecture for budget-oriented Pentiums before shifting to newer sockets. Key specifications included clock speeds ranging from 2.6 GHz to 3.0 GHz, with each featuring 2 MB of shared L2 cache and an 800 MHz front-side bus. The processors had a thermal design power (TDP) of 65 W and were compatible with the LGA 775 socket, supporting DDR2 or DDR3 memory through the chipset's integrated memory controller. Representative examples from the refresh include the Pentium E5400 at 2.70 GHz (launched January 2009), E5500 at 2.80 GHz (April 2010), and E5700 at 3.0 GHz (third quarter 2010), all emphasizing power efficiency over high-end features. These processors supported MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, and SSSE3 instruction set extensions but lacked Technology, limiting them to two threads. They also included Enhanced SpeedStep Technology for dynamic and Execute Disable Bit for security. Compared to earlier models, the Wolfdale-based E-series provided better headroom due to the shrink to 45 nm, enabling modest frequency boosts on compatible motherboards for users seeking extended longevity in Socket 775 systems. This refresh represented the final of Pentium processors for the platform, bridging the gap to subsequent architectures with integrated memory controllers.

Later Pentium processors (Nehalem and beyond)

Nehalem and Westmere-based

The Nehalem and Westmere-based Pentium processors introduced integrated to the brand for the first time, targeting mainstream desktop and mobile systems with balanced performance for everyday . Released in , the desktop Clarkdale variants, such as the Pentium G6950, featured a dual-core design at 2.8 GHz on a node for the CPU die, paired with a 45 nm graphics die, 3 MB shared L3 cache, and support for DDR3 memory via an integrated . These processors used the socket and had a TDP of up to 73 , emphasizing efficiency for workloads without the need for a discrete GPU. Key features included SSE4.2 instruction set support, 64-bit architecture, and Intel HD Graphics running at 533 MHz for basic video decoding and display output up to 2560x1600 resolution. Unlike premium Core i3 models on the same architecture, Pentium Clarkdale chips lacked Technology and Turbo Boost, limiting them to two threads for straightforward multi-tasking in productivity applications. The design integrated I/O capabilities, including (DMI) for chipset communication, enhancing system responsiveness for integrated setups. Mobile counterparts based on the Arrandale architecture, such as the Pentium P6000 series, launched concurrently with clock speeds from 1.86 GHz to 2.4 GHz, a 35 W TDP, and the (rPGA988B) package for laptops. These shared the dual-core layout, 3 MB L3 cache, HD Graphics, and DDR3-800/1066 support, optimized for portable battery life and light tasks like web browsing and document editing. Like their desktop siblings, they included SSE4.2 and 64-bit extensions but omitted advanced power features for cost-effective entry-level performance. The Westmere microarchitecture represented a minor evolution from Nehalem, primarily through the 32 nm shrink for better power efficiency while retaining the core lineup and features across both Clarkdale and Arrandale. Overall, these processors provided solid value for integrated systems, establishing a precedent for combined CPU-GPU packages in subsequent Intel designs.

Sandy Bridge to Broadwell-based

The Sandy Bridge-based Pentium processors, launched in 2011, represented Intel's entry-level desktop offerings within the second-generation Core microarchitecture, emphasizing integrated graphics and power efficiency for basic computing tasks. These dual-core models, including the G620, G630, G640, G840, G850, and similar variants, featured clock speeds from 2.6 GHz to 2.9 GHz, a 32 nm process node, 3 MB of shared L3 cache, and support for dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1333 MHz. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 2000 enabled light multimedia and casual gaming, while the LGA 1155 socket and 65 W TDP facilitated compatibility with mainstream motherboards and cooling solutions. These processors supported AVX instructions for improved vector processing in applications like video encoding. In 2012, the Ivy Bridge refresh brought a shrink to the Pentium lineup, enhancing power efficiency and density without altering the core count or significantly. Representative models such as the G2020, G2100T, G2120, G2130, and G2140 operated at base frequencies from 2.4 GHz to 3.0 GHz, retaining the 3 MB L3 cache, dual-channel DDR3-1600 support, and socket, but with a reduced TDP of 55 W in most variants. The upgraded HD Graphics 2500 offered modest improvements in rendering performance, suitable for video playback and entry-level gaming at low resolutions. These processors maintained the dual-core, two-thread configuration, focusing on cost-effective upgrades for users transitioning from older s. The Haswell generation in 2013 further refined the Pentium series with continued 22 nm fabrication, introducing AVX2 for doubled vector widths in computational workloads and better for idle efficiency. Models like the G3220, G3240, G3250, and the unlocked G3258 spanned clock speeds of 2.7 GHz to 3.2 GHz, with 3 MB L3 cache, dual-channel DDR3L-1600 memory support, and a 53 W TDP. The socket paired with HD Graphics 4600, which provided enhanced 11.1 support and sufficient performance for light gaming titles at 720p resolutions when paired with DDR3 memory. The G3258 stood out as an overclockable option, allowing enthusiasts to push beyond stock speeds on compatible Z97 chipsets. Broadwell-based Pentiums in 2014–2015 were limited in the desktop segment, with Intel prioritizing mobile and embedded variants on the new for superior energy efficiency. Desktop models remained scarce, but mobile variants like the Pentium 3825U and similar dual-core designs featured up to 2 MB cache, clock speeds around 1.6–2.4 GHz, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500, with a TDP as low as 15 W and DDR3L-1600 compatibility, targeting portable entry-level systems rather than high-performance desktops. Overall, the Sandy Bridge to Broadwell Pentiums prioritized incremental efficiency gains, integrated graphics for casual use, and affordability, delivering reliable performance for web browsing, office productivity, and basic multitasking without .

Skylake to Coffee Lake-based

The Skylake-based Pentium processors, introduced in 2015, represented Intel's entry-level desktop offerings on the 14 nm process node, featuring dual-core configurations without and support for DDR4 memory on the socket. Models ranged from the Pentium G4400 at 3.3 GHz with 3 MB Smart Cache and Intel HD Graphics 510 to the G4520 at 3.6 GHz with HD Graphics 530, all with a 51-54 W TDP for efficient budget systems. These chips emphasized improved instructions per clock over prior generations, enabling better handling of everyday tasks like web browsing and office applications while transitioning from DDR3L. In 2017, the refresh brought to Pentium desktop processors for the first time, allowing 2 cores to handle 4 threads and enhancing multitasking efficiency on the refined . The lineup included the G4560 at 3.5 GHz with HD Graphics 610, the G4600 at 3.6 GHz, and the G4620 at 3.7 GHz, maintaining 3 MB cache and 51-54 W TDP while adding support for Optane to accelerate HDD-based systems. Integrated graphics saw minor clock speed improvements over Skylake, supporting 4K video playback at entry levels. The 2018 Coffee Lake generation rebranded entry-level chips as Pentium Gold, retaining dual-core/quad-thread designs on 14 nm++ but increasing L3 cache to 4 MB for better branch prediction and workload distribution. Models like the G5400 (3.7 GHz), G5500 (3.8 GHz), and G5600 (3.9 GHz) used Intel UHD Graphics 610 and remained compatible with via 300-series chipsets, which introduced native USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports for faster data transfer. Optane compatibility continued, targeting affordable upgrades for storage performance. These processors prioritized value for basic computing, with Skylake and models delivering adequate single-threaded performance for web and apps, while Coffee Lake's larger cache improved multi-threaded scenarios by up to 10-15% in benchmarks like Cinebench R15 compared to equivalents. The integrated enabled entry-level video decoding and light media tasks, though discrete GPUs were recommended for gaming; for instance, the G4400 achieved playable frame rates in older titles like at low settings when paired with a GTX 750 Ti. Overall, they offered a balance for budget desktops, supporting multitasking without exceeding 54 W under load. Mobile variants in this era shifted toward low-power efficiency, with the 2017 Gemini Lake platform introducing the first quad-core Pentium Silver processors for ultraportables. The Pentium Silver N5000 featured 4 cores/4 threads at base 1.1 GHz (turbo up to 2.7 GHz), 4 MB cache, 6 W TDP, and on a , supporting DDR4/LPDDR4 and enabling fanless designs for 2-in-1 tablets. Earlier Apollo Lake models like the 2016 Pentium N4200 (4C/4T, 1.1-2.5 GHz, 6 W) laid the groundwork for quad-core entry in thin-and-light laptops, focusing on extended battery life for streaming and browsing. These chips marked a departure from dual-core mobile Pentiums, providing improved parallel processing for casual use while maintaining power efficiency under 10 W.

Comet Lake to Alder Lake-based

The -based Pentium processors, introduced in 2019 as part of Intel's 10th-generation desktop lineup, featured dual-core configurations with (four threads), targeting budget desktop systems. Representative models included the Pentium Gold G6400, operating at a fixed 4.00 GHz clock speed with 4 MB of L3 cache, built on a , and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 610; it supported the socket, DDR4-2666 memory up to 128 GB, and had a 58 W TDP. Similarly, the Pentium Gold G6605 reached 4.30 GHz with UHD Graphics 630, offering improved graphical performance for light multimedia tasks while maintaining compatibility with 400-series chipsets. These processors emphasized cost-effective computing for everyday , with no support for or advanced features like AVX-512. In 2021, with the launch of 11th-generation for higher-end Core processors, continued using refreshed Comet Lake-derived Pentium models for entry-level desktops on the same platform, now paired with 500-series chipsets enabling PCIe 4.0 support. The Pentium Gold G6400 remained a key offering, but systems gained access to faster storage and graphics interfaces, along with UHD Graphics 610 capable of 4K playback. This approach allowed budget builds to benefit from platform upgrades like improved I/O without new silicon, though core counts stayed at two with , limiting multitasking efficiency compared to Core i3 equivalents. The transition to 12th-generation in 2022 marked the introduction of hybrid architecture to the Pentium lineup, with the Pentium Gold G7400 featuring two performance cores (no efficient cores) at a 3.70 GHz base frequency, 6 MB L3 cache on an 7 (, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 710. Supporting the socket, it handled DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200 memory up to 128 GB and a 46 W TDP, enabling better power efficiency and compatibility with modern features like Thunderbolt 4 and 6E on compatible motherboards. This model represented the final desktop Pentium, prioritizing single-threaded performance for web browsing and applications while introducing Thread Director technology for core scheduling, though without the full hybrid benefits seen in higher tiers. On the mobile front, the Pentium Silver N6000, based on the Jasper Lake architecture and launched in Q1 2021, provided a quad-core, four-thread design at a 1.10 GHz base and up to 3.30 GHz burst, with 4 MB cache on a 10 nm process and a low 6 W TDP for thin-and-light laptops. Integrated UHD Graphics supported basic video decoding, and it used BGA 1747 packaging with DDR4/LPDDR4X memory, focusing on extended battery life for entry-level portable computing. Intel discontinued the Pentium brand in 2023, phasing it out in favor of entry-level Core i3 processors and a simplified "Intel Processor" designation for lower-end mobile chips, ending a 30-year legacy that had evolved from high-end to mainstream roles. This shift aligned with the adoption of hybrid architectures across 's lineup, consolidating branding for clearer market positioning.

Celeron compatibility

The processor brand originated in April 1998 as a low-cost derivative of the , with the initial Covington models featuring the Deschutes core but omitting the L2 cache to reduce manufacturing expenses. These early s maintained full compatibility with systems via the interface, enabling drop-in replacements on existing motherboards while targeting budget-conscious consumers seeking affordable PC upgrades. Throughout its history, Celeron processors shared sockets and microarchitectures with corresponding Pentium lines, including the P6 family (e.g., Mendocino core in the 1998 Celeron 300A, which introduced 128 KB on-die L2 cache), NetBurst (Willamette-based models on Socket 478), and Core architectures (e.g., Nehalem-derived G-series like the 2010 Celeron G1101 on LGA 1156, and mobile N-series such as the 2016 Celeron N3350 on BGA 1295). However, Celerons typically featured smaller L2/L3 caches (e.g., half the size of entry-level Pentiums) and lower clock speeds, resulting in a performance gap of 20-50% compared to equivalent Pentium models in tasks like office applications and web browsing. This design philosophy positioned s as entry-level options for basic computing, often priced under $100 and powering subnotebooks, netbooks, and Chromebooks where or multitasking demands were minimal. The brand evolved alongside through multiple generations, with beginning to consolidate entry-level mobile offerings under the generic "Intel Processor" label starting in 2023 to simplify branding, while continuing and for desktops and certain mobile/embedded uses as of 2025 (e.g., Gold G7400 for desktops).

Other Pentium-compatible lines

The Intel Atom series, launched in 2008, comprises low-power x86 processors tailored for netbooks, tablets, and embedded devices, featuring architectures like Bonnell and later and beyond to emphasize energy efficiency over high performance. For instance, the Atom N450, clocked at 1.66 GHz, powered early netbooks with a single-core design on technology, delivering basic capabilities while consuming 5.5 W TDP. Subsequent iterations from onward introduced multi-core configurations and improved efficiency, but retained simpler in-order execution pipelines compared to the out-of-order designs in mainstream Pentium processors. Atom processors achieve instruction set parity with Pentium lines through full support, with later models incorporating SSE4.1, SSE4.2, and even AVX extensions for software compatibility, though their streamlined designs limit peak performance to suit ultra-mobile scenarios. They integrate into shared ecosystems with consumer Pentiums, utilizing compatible chipsets like the Intel NM10 or later 100-series and utilizing motherboards in and embedded formats for seamless deployment in similar systems. The series, introduced in 2013, extends x86 compatibility to ultra-low-power embedded applications with 32-bit processors like the SoC X1000, which operates at around 400 MHz and targets IoT and industrial controls with minimal power draw under 3 W. These chips support core x86 instructions without advanced features such as or , ensuring binary compatibility with Pentium software while prioritizing simplicity and integration in system-on-chip designs. Entry-level Intel Xeon processors, exemplified by the E3 v6 series on the microarchitecture from 2017, offer Pentium-compatible architectures tuned for servers with features like support and enhanced reliability. Models such as the E3-1240 v6, with 4 cores at 3.70 GHz base frequency, share the socket, instruction sets including AVX2, and compatibility (e.g., C236) with contemporary Pentiums, enabling workstation use in the same ecosystems. After the Atom brand's discontinuation in consumer segments around , its low-power lineage persisted under related branding before transitioning to the "Intel Processor" label in 2023, with advanced low-power variants incorporated into Ultra series from that year onward to unify the x86 ecosystem. This evolution maintains architectural compatibility with Pentium-derived lines, including overlap with in budget embedded roles.

References

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