Athlon II X2 215 vs Celeron Dual-Core T3300

AMD

Athlon II X2 215

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron Dual-Core T3300

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon II X2 215 vs Celeron Dual-Core T3300 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Athlon II X2 215 vs Celeron Dual-Core T3300 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon II X2 215 vs Celeron Dual-Core T3300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon II X2 215

2009

Why buy it

  • +29.6% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Costs $41 less on MSRP ($45 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
  • Delivers 92.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.5 vs 11.7 PassMark/$ ($45 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Celeron Dual-Core T3300.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (274 vs 300).
  • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Celeron Dual-Core T3300

2010

Why buy it

  • +9.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (520 vs 674).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.7 vs 22.5 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $45 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon II X2 215.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core T3300 better than Athlon II X2 215?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron Dual-Core T3300 is ahead with 9.5% stronger Geekbench single-core performance. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 215 pulls ahead with 29.6% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon II X2 215 is the stronger fit. You are getting 29.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron Dual-Core T3300 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron Dual-Core T3300 comes in 91.1% more expensive on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $45 MSRP, and it still gives you 9.5% stronger Geekbench single-core performance. Athlon II X2 215 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 92.3% better value on paper (22.5 vs 11.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron Dual-Core T3300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II X2 215 vs Celeron Dual-Core T3300 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Athlon II X2 215

The Athlon II X2 215 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Regor (2009−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,011 points. Launch price was $45.

Intel

Celeron Dual-Core T3300

The Celeron Dual-Core T3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II X2 215 and Celeron Dual-Core T3300 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon II X2 215 versus 2 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 — a 29.8% clock advantage for the Athlon II X2 215. The Athlon II X2 215 uses the Regor (2009−2013) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II X2 215 scores 1,011 against the Celeron Dual-Core T3300's 1,005 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon II X2 215. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 274 vs 300, a 9.1% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 674 vs 520 (25.8% advantage for the Athlon II X2 215).

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Celeron Dual-Core T3300
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+35%
2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
512 kB
1 MB+100%
Process
45 nm
45 nm
Architecture
Regor (2009−2013)
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
1,011
1,005
Geekbench 6 Single
274
300+9%
Geekbench 6 Multi
674+30%
520
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon II X2 215 uses the AM3 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Athlon II X2 215 versus DDR3-800 on the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 — the Athlon II X2 215 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II X2 215 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM3 (Athlon II X2 215) and GL40,GM45,GS45 (Celeron Dual-Core T3300).

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Celeron Dual-Core T3300
Socket
AM3
P
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
1333+67%
DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II X2 215) vs No (Celeron Dual-Core T3300). Primary use case: Athlon II X2 215 targets Budget, Celeron Dual-Core T3300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon II X2 215 rivals Pentium E5400; Celeron Dual-Core T3300 rivals Pentium T4200.

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Celeron Dual-Core T3300
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
No
Target Use
Budget
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon II X2 215 was priced at $45, while the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($45 vs $86), Athlon II X2 215 was $41 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon II X2 215 delivers 22.5 pts/$ vs 11.7 pts/$ for the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 — making the Athlon II X2 215 the 63.1% better value option.

FeatureAthlon II X2 215Celeron Dual-Core T3300
MSRP
$45-48%
$86
Performance per Dollar
22.5+92%
11.7
Release Date
2009
2010

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