Celeron Dual-Core T3500 vs Celeron N3060

Intel

Celeron Dual-Core T3500

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Celeron N3060

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.48 GHz2016
Similar parts
·······

Celeron Dual-Core T3500 vs Celeron N3060 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 T3500 vs Celeron N3060 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 T3500 vs Celeron N3060: 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 T3500

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $27 less on MSRP ($80 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • Delivers 34.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.9 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($80 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • Draws 1W instead of 6W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron N3060 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron N3060

2016

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 400, while Celeron Dual-Core T3500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,267 vs 1,275).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 15.9 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $80 MSRP).
  • 500% higher power demand at 6W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core T3500 better than Celeron N3060?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron N3060 is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 17 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T3500 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core T3500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron Dual-Core T3500 is the better buy right now. Celeron Dual-Core T3500 comes in $27 cheaper on MSRP at $80 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Celeron N3060 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 17 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 34.6% better value on MSRP (15.9 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron N3060 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron Dual-Core T3500 vs Celeron N3060 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron Dual-Core T3500

The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,275 points. Launch price was $80.

Intel

Celeron N3060

The Celeron N3060 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $107.

Processing Power

Both the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 and Celeron N3060 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 versus 2.48 GHz on the Celeron N3060 — a 16.6% clock advantage for the Celeron N3060. The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron N3060 uses Braswell (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 scores 1,275 against the Celeron N3060's 1,267 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T3500.

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T3500Celeron N3060
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.1 GHz
2.48 GHz+18%
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
1 MB
Process
45 nm
14 nm-69%
Architecture
Penryn (2008−2011)
Braswell (2015−2016)
PassMark
1,275
1,267
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron N3060 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 versus 1600 on the Celeron N3060 — the Celeron N3060 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron Dual-Core T3500) vs 4 (Celeron N3060) — the Celeron N3060 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45,GM47 (Celeron Dual-Core T3500) and FCBGA1170 (Celeron N3060).

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T3500Celeron N3060
Socket
P
FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 3.0+173%
Max RAM Speed
800
1600+100%
Max RAM Capacity
8
8
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: false (Celeron Dual-Core T3500) vs true (Celeron N3060). The Celeron N3060 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 400), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T3500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core T3500 rivals Pentium T4400; Celeron N3060 rivals AMD E2-9010.

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T3500Celeron N3060
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 400
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
false
true
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 was priced at $80, while the Celeron N3060 came in at $107. On launch pricing ($80 vs $107), Celeron Dual-Core T3500 was $27 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 delivers 15.9 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Celeron N3060 — making the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 the 29.5% better value option.

FeatureCeleron Dual-Core T3500Celeron N3060
MSRP
$80-25%
$107
Performance per Dollar
15.9+35%
11.8
Release Date
2010
2016

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.