Celeron Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-6200U

Intel

Celeron Dual-Core T1600

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.66 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-6200U

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Celeron Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-6200U 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 Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-6200U 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 i5-6200U: 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

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 1W instead of 15W, a 14W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $150 MSRP, while Core i5-6200U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6200U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6200U

2015

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 520, while Celeron Dual-Core T1600 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,990 vs 3,000).
  • 1400% higher power demand at 15W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core T1600 better than Core i5-6200U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-6200U is ahead with a 2.3% 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 0.3% 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 0.3% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $150 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-6200U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-6200U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron Dual-Core T1600 vs Core i5-6200U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-6200U

The Core i5-6200U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,990 points. Launch price was $281.

Processing Power

The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-6200U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.66 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6200U — a 51.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-6200U. The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-6200U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 scores 3,000 against the Core i5-6200U's 2,990 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T1600.

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T1600Core i5-6200U
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.66 GHz
2.8 GHz+69%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB+100%
512 kB
Process
65 nm
14 nm-78%
Architecture
Merom (2006−2008)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
3,000
2,990
Geekbench 6 Single
946
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core T1600 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-6200U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 667 on the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6200U — the Core i5-6200U supports 219.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6200U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron Dual-Core T1600) vs 12 (Core i5-6200U) — the Core i5-6200U offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45,GM47,PM45 (Celeron Dual-Core T1600) and Integrated (Core i5-6200U).

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T1600Core i5-6200U
Socket
PGA478
BGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed
667
DDR4-2133+220%
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
32 GB+700%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
12
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Celeron Dual-Core T1600) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6200U). The Core i5-6200U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 520), while the Celeron Dual-Core T1600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T1600 targets Budget, Core i5-6200U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core T1600 rivals Pentium T2390; Core i5-6200U rivals A12-9700P.

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T1600Core i5-6200U
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 520
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
false
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Mainstream Laptop