Celeron 847 vs Phenom X3 8600

Intel

Celeron 847

2 Cores2 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Phenom X3 8600

3 Cores3 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2008
Similar parts
·······

Celeron 847 vs Phenom X3 8600 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 847 vs Phenom X3 8600 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 847 vs Phenom X3 8600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 847

2011

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 17W instead of 95W, a 78W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Phenom X3 8600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.5 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Phenom X3 8600

2008

Why buy it

  • Costs $34 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
  • Delivers 33.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.7 vs 9.5 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,267 vs 1,270).
  • 458.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 17W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron 847 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 847 better than Phenom X3 8600?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom X3 8600 is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 847 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 847 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?
Celeron 847 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron 847 comes in 34.0% more expensive on MSRP at $134 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. Phenom X3 8600 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 33.7% better value on paper (12.7 vs 9.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM2+.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron 847 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) 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 847 vs Phenom X3 8600 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron 847

The Celeron 847 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 1.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,270 points. Launch price was $134.

AMD

Phenom X3 8600

The Phenom X3 8600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Celeron 847 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X3 8600 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8600 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.1 GHz on the Celeron 847 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X3 8600 — a 70.6% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8600. The Celeron 847 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8600 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 847 scores 1,270 against the Phenom X3 8600's 1,267 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron 847. Both processors carry 2 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCeleron 847Phenom X3 8600
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock
1.1 GHz
2.3 GHz+109%
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
32 nm-51%
65 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Toliman (2008)
PassMark
1,270
1,267
Geekbench 6 Single
196
Geekbench 6 Multi
354
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 847 uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8600 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron 847Phenom X3 8600
Socket
BGA1023
AM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron 847) / not specified (Phenom X3 8600). The Celeron 847 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Phenom X3 8600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 847 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 847 rivals Pentium 967.

FeatureCeleron 847Phenom X3 8600
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 847 was priced at $134, while the Phenom X3 8600 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($134 vs $100), Phenom X3 8600 was $34 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 847 delivers 9.5 pts/$ vs 12.7 pts/$ for the Phenom X3 8600 — making the Phenom X3 8600 the 28.8% better value option.

FeatureCeleron 847Phenom X3 8600
MSRP
$134
$100-25%
Performance per Dollar
9.5
12.7+34%
Release Date
2011
2008

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.