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 2981U vs Pentium E2220 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 2981U vs Pentium E2220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 2981U

2014

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Haswell), while Pentium E2220 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 32.1 PassMark/$ ($137 MSRP vs $32 MSRP).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Pentium E2220

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $105 less on MSRP ($32 MSRP vs $137 MSRP).
✅Delivers 324.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.1 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($32 MSRP vs $137 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,028 vs 1,036).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 2 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron 2981U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 2981U better than Pentium E2220?

Yes. Celeron 2981U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron 2981U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 2981U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Celeron 2981U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron 2981U comes in 328.1% more expensive on MSRP at $137 MSRP versus $32 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium E2220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 324.8% better value on paper (32.1 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Celeron 2981U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008) and 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron 2981U vs Pentium E2220 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 2981U

The Celeron 2981U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,036 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium E2220

The Pentium E2220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Celeron 2981U is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron 2981U scores 1,036 against the Pentium E2220's 1,028 — a 0.8% lead for the Celeron 2981U. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron 2981U vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2220.

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Pentium E2220
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.4 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	2 MB+100%	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	—
PassMark	1,036	1,028
Geekbench 6 Single	—	330
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	590

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 2981U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium E2220 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Celeron 2981U versus DDR2-800 on the Pentium E2220 — the Celeron 2981U supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 2981U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Celeron 2981U) vs 0 (Pentium E2220) — the Celeron 2981U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Wildcat Point-LP (Celeron 2981U) and G31,G41 (Pentium E2220).

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Pentium E2220
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+100%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+300%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Pentium E2220 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron 2981U) vs None (Pentium E2220). The Celeron 2981U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Haswell)), while the Pentium E2220 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 2981U targets Budget, Pentium E2220 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron 2981U rivals Pentium 2117U.

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Pentium E2220
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Haswell)	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	None
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 2981U was priced at $137, while the Pentium E2220 came in at $32. On launch pricing ($137 vs $32), Pentium E2220 was $105 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 2981U delivers 7.6 pts/$ vs 32.1 pts/$ for the Pentium E2220 — making the Pentium E2220 the 123.8% better value option.

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Pentium E2220
MSRP	$137	$32-77%
Performance per Dollar	7.6	32.1+322%
Release Date	2014	2008

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