Celeron B720 vs Core 2 Duo T5200

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 B720 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 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 B720 vs Core 2 Duo T5200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron B720

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Core 2 Duo T5200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Duo T5200 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (665 vs 705).
❌Launch MSRP is still $70 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T5200 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core 2 Duo T5200

2006

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron B720 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T5200 better than Celeron B720?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T5200 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo T5200 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.5% 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, Core 2 Duo T5200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo T5200 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo T5200 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $70 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron B720 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on G2.

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

Celeron B720 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron B720 vs Core 2 Duo T5200 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron B720

The Celeron B720 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 665 points. Launch price was $70.

Core 2 Duo T5200

The Core 2 Duo T5200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.66 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 705 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

The Celeron B720 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core 2 Duo T5200 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo T5200 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.7 GHz on the Celeron B720 versus 1.66 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5200 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Celeron B720 (base: 1.7 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Celeron B720 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron B720 scores 665 against the Core 2 Duo T5200's 705 — a 5.8% lead for the Core 2 Duo T5200. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (total) on the Celeron B720 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Duo T5200.

Feature	Celeron B720	Core 2 Duo T5200
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock	1.7 GHz+2%	1.66 GHz
Base Clock	1.7 GHz+6%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	1.5 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark	665	705+6%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron B720 uses the G2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron B720	Core 2 Duo T5200
Socket	G2	BGA479
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron B720) / not specified (Core 2 Duo T5200). The Celeron B720 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Core 2 Duo T5200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron B720 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron B720 rivals Pentium 967.