Celeron B820 vs Pentium T3400

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 B820 vs Pentium T3400 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 B820 vs Pentium T3400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron B820

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Costs $64 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅Delivers 57.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.9 vs 5.6 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Pentium T3400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Pentium T3400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (765 vs 845).

Pentium T3400

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 2 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.6 vs 8.9 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron B820 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium T3400 better than Celeron B820?

Yes. Pentium T3400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 10.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium T3400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.0% 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, Pentium T3400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.5% better PassMark.

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

Pentium T3400 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium T3400 comes in 74.4% more expensive on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron B820 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 57.9% better value on paper (8.9 vs 5.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Celeron B820 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008) and 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron B820 vs Pentium T3400 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron B820

The Celeron B820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 765 points. Launch price was $86.

Pentium T3400

The Pentium T3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.16 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 845 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Celeron B820 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron B820 scores 765 against the Pentium T3400's 845 — a 9.9% lead for the Pentium T3400. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron B820 vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium T3400.

Feature	Celeron B820	Pentium T3400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	—
Boost Clock	1.7 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.16 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)+100%	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	765	845+10%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron B820 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium T3400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron B820	Pentium T3400
Socket	PGA988	PGA478
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron B820) / not specified (Pentium T3400). The Celeron B820 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Pentium T3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron B820 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron B820 rivals Pentium 967.

Feature	Celeron B820	Pentium T3400
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron B820 was priced at $86, while the Pentium T3400 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($86 vs $150), Celeron B820 was $64 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron B820 delivers 8.9 pts/$ vs 5.6 pts/$ for the Pentium T3400 — making the Celeron B820 the 44.9% better value option.

Feature	Celeron B820	Pentium T3400
MSRP	$86-43%	$150
Performance per Dollar	8.9+59%	5.6
Release Date	2012	2008

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