Celeron 1017U vs Phenom II X2 N640

Celeron 1017U vs Phenom II X2 N640 Performance Spectrum

Celeron 1017U

2 / 2

1,508

+0.2%

1,505

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 1017U vs Phenom II X2 N640 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 1017U vs Phenom II X2 N640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 1017U

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Phenom II X2 N640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Phenom II X2 N640

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,505 vs 1,508).
❌Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Celeron 1017U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron 1017U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X2 N640 better than Celeron 1017U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom II X2 N640 is ahead with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 1017U pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 1017U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Phenom II X2 N640 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X2 N640 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Celeron 1017U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron 1017U 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 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron 1017U vs Phenom II X2 N640 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 1017U

The Celeron 1017U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,508 points. Launch price was $69.

Phenom II X2 N640

The Phenom II X2 N640 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,505 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron 1017U and Phenom II X2 N640 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Celeron 1017U versus 2.9 GHz on the Phenom II X2 N640 — a 57.8% clock advantage for the Phenom II X2 N640. The Celeron 1017U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 1017U scores 1,508 against the Phenom II X2 N640's 1,505 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron 1017U.

Feature	Celeron 1017U	Phenom II X2 N640
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	2.9 GHz+81%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	—
L3 Cache	2 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	2 MB+300%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,508	1,505
Geekbench 6 Single	—	300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	422

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 1017U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Celeron 1017U versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X2 N640 — the Celeron 1017U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 1017U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1023 (Celeron 1017U) and RS880M (Phenom II X2 N640).

Feature	Celeron 1017U	Phenom II X2 N640
Socket	BGA1023	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron 1017U) / AMD-V (Phenom II X2 N640). The Celeron 1017U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Phenom II X2 N640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom II X2 N640 targets Legacy Laptop.