Celeron 1007U vs Phenom II X3 720

Intel

Celeron 1007U

2 Cores2 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X3 720

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Celeron 1007U vs Phenom II X3 720 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.

Celeron 1007U vs Phenom II X3 720 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.

Celeron 1007U vs Phenom II X3 720: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 1007U

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 17W instead of 95W, a 78W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Phenom II X3 720 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Phenom II X3 720.

Phenom II X3 720

2010

Why buy it

  • +200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Celeron 1007U.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,600 vs 1,610).
  • Launch MSRP is still $130 MSRP, while Celeron 1007U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 458.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 17W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron 1007U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 1007U better than Phenom II X3 720?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom II X3 720 is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 1007U pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Phenom II X3 720 also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 1007U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron 1007U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron 1007U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. Phenom II X3 720 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 1007U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 3/3. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron 1007U vs Phenom II X3 720 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron 1007U

The Celeron 1007U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,610 points. Launch price was $86.

AMD

Phenom II X3 720

The Phenom II X3 720 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,600 points. Launch price was $75.

Processing Power

The Celeron 1007U packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X3 720 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 720 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Celeron 1007U versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 720 — a 60.5% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 720 (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Celeron 1007U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 1007U scores 1,610 against the Phenom II X3 720's 1,600 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron 1007U. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron 1007U vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 720.

FeatureCeleron 1007UPhenom II X3 720
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock
1.5 GHz
2.8 GHz+87%
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
2.8 GHz+87%
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
6 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark
1,610
1,600
Geekbench 6 Single
380
Geekbench 6 Multi
980
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 1007U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Celeron 1007U versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 720 — the Celeron 1007U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 1007U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1023 (Celeron 1007U) and AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 720).

FeatureCeleron 1007UPhenom II X3 720
Socket
BGA1023
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+20%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+100%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron 1007U) / AMD-V (Phenom II X3 720). The Celeron 1007U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Phenom II X3 720 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom II X3 720 targets Legacy Desktop.

FeatureCeleron 1007UPhenom II X3 720
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
None
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Legacy Desktop