Celeron Dual-Core T3100 vs Core i7-640UM

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 T3100 vs Core i7-640UM 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 T3100 vs Core i7-640UM: 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 T3100

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 18W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-640UM

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Celeron Dual-Core T3100 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,168 vs 1,174).
❌1700% higher power demand at 18W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core T3100 better than Core i7-640UM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-640UM is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T3100 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T3100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron Dual-Core T3100 still makes the most sense overall. Celeron Dual-Core T3100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark.

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

Core i7-640UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron Dual-Core T3100 vs Core i7-640UM Technical Specifications

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

Celeron Dual-Core T3100

The Celeron Dual-Core T3100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,174 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-640UM

The Core i7-640UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,168 points. Launch price was $305.

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Processing Power

The Celeron Dual-Core T3100 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 versus 2.27 GHz on the Core i7-640UM — a 17.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-640UM. The Celeron Dual-Core T3100 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-640UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 scores 1,174 against the Core i7-640UM's 1,168 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T3100.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3100	Core i7-640UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2.27 GHz+19%
Base Clock	—	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,174	1,168
Geekbench 6 Single	—	226
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	590

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core T3100 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-640UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-640UM — the Core i7-640UM supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron Dual-Core T3100) vs 16 (Core i7-640UM) — the Core i7-640UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45,GS45 (Celeron Dual-Core T3100) and HM55,QM57 (Core i7-640UM).

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3100	Core i7-640UM
Socket	PGA478	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	DDR3-1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: No (Celeron Dual-Core T3100) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-640UM). The Core i7-640UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T3100 targets Budget, Core i7-640UM targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core T3100 rivals Pentium T4200; Core i7-640UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.