Celeron Dual-Core T3500 vs Core i7-660UM

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 Core i7-660UM 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 Core i7-660UM: 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

✅Costs $237 less on MSRP ($80 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
✅Delivers 295.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.9 vs 4.0 PassMark/$ ($80 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 18W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,275 vs 1,279).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-660UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-660UM

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Celeron Dual-Core T3500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.0 vs 15.9 PassMark/$ ($317 MSRP vs $80 MSRP).
❌1700% higher power demand at 18W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-660UM better than Celeron Dual-Core T3500?

Yes. Core i7-660UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 16 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-660UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 16 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-660UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-660UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-660UM comes in 296.3% more expensive on MSRP at $317 MSRP versus $80 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 16 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron Dual-Core T3500 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 295.0% better value on paper (15.9 vs 4.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on P.

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

Core i7-660UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron Dual-Core T3500 vs Core i7-660UM Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-660UM

The Core i7-660UM 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 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,279 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-660UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-660UM — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-660UM. The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-660UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 scores 1,275 against the Core i7-660UM's 1,279 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-660UM.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3500	Core i7-660UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.1 GHz	2.4 GHz+14%
Base Clock	—	1.33 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	1,275	1,279
Geekbench 6 Single	—	250
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	600

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 uses the P socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-660UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 800 on the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-660UM — the Core i7-660UM 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 T3500) vs 16 (Core i7-660UM) — the Core i7-660UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GL40,GM45,GM47 (Celeron Dual-Core T3500) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-660UM).

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3500	Core i7-660UM
Socket	P	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	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: false (Celeron Dual-Core T3500) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-660UM). The Core i7-660UM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T3500 targets Budget, Core i7-660UM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core T3500 rivals Pentium T4400.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3500	Core i7-660UM
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	false	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 was priced at $80, while the Core i7-660UM came in at $317. On launch pricing ($80 vs $317), Celeron Dual-Core T3500 was $237 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 delivers 15.9 pts/$ vs 4.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-660UM — making the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 the 119.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core T3500	Core i7-660UM
MSRP	$80-75%	$317
Performance per Dollar	15.9+298%	4.0
Release Date	2010	2010

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