Celeron Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-3470T

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 Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-3470T 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 Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-3470T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

2008

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $34 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅Delivers 22.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.0 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-3470T

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,999 vs 3,000).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.3 vs 20.0 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core T1600 better than Core i5-3470T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3470T is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T1600 pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T1600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron Dual-Core T1600 is the better buy right now. Celeron Dual-Core T1600 comes in $34 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-3470T is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 22.7% better value on MSRP (20.0 vs 16.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-3470T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-3470T Technical Specifications

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

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.66 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 3,000 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-3470T

The Core i5-3470T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,999 points. Launch price was $210.

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Processing Power

The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3470T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.66 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3470T — a 73.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3470T. The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-3470T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 scores 3,000 against the Core i5-3470T's 2,999 — a 0% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T1600.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T1600	Core i5-3470T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.66 GHz	3.6 GHz+117%
Base Clock	—	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	65 nm	22 nm-66%
Architecture	Merom (2006−2008)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	3,000	2,999

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-3470T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T1600	Core i5-3470T
Socket	PGA478	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed	667	—
Max RAM Capacity	4	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: false (Celeron Dual-Core T1600) / not specified (Core i5-3470T). Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T1600 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core T1600 rivals Pentium T2390.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T1600	Core i5-3470T
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	false	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 was priced at $150, while the Core i5-3470T came in at $184. On launch pricing ($150 vs $184), Celeron Dual-Core T1600 was $34 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 delivers 20.0 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3470T — making the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 the 20.4% better value option.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T1600	Core i5-3470T
MSRP	$150-18%	$184
Performance per Dollar	20.0+23%	16.3
Release Date	2008	2012

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