Celeron Dual-Core T3300 vs Core i5-540UM

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 T3300 vs Core i5-540UM 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 T3300 vs Core i5-540UM: 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 T3300

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 18W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i5-540UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-540UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-540UM

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 T3300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,002 vs 1,005).
❌1700% higher power demand at 18W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core T3300 better than Core i5-540UM?

Yes. Celeron Dual-Core T3300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T3300 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 T3300 is the better buy right now. Celeron Dual-Core T3300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-540UM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Celeron Dual-Core T3300 vs Core i5-540UM Technical Specifications

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

Celeron Dual-Core T3300

The Celeron Dual-Core T3300 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: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-540UM

The Core i5-540UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 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 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Celeron Dual-Core T3300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-540UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 versus 2 GHz on the Core i5-540UM — identical boost frequencies. The Celeron Dual-Core T3300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-540UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 scores 1,005 against the Core i5-540UM's 1,002 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T3300.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3300	Core i5-540UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,005	1,002
Geekbench 6 Single	300	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	520	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core T3300 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-540UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-800 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron Dual-Core T3300) vs 16 (Core i5-540UM) — the Core i5-540UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45,GS45 (Celeron Dual-Core T3300) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i5-540UM).

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3300	Core i5-540UM
Socket	P	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	800
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 T3300) vs true (Core i5-540UM). The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T3300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core T3300 rivals Pentium T4200; Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.