Celeron E3300 vs Phenom X3 8400

Celeron E3300 vs Phenom X3 8400 Performance Spectrum

Celeron E3300

2 / 2

1,155

0.0%

1,164

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 E3300 vs Phenom X3 8400 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 E3300 vs Phenom X3 8400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron E3300

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,155 vs 1,164).
❌Launch MSRP is still $50 MSRP, while Phenom X3 8400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom X3 8400

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron E3300 better than Phenom X3 8400?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron E3300 is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8400 pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Celeron E3300 is the better buy right now. Celeron E3300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $50 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom X3 8400 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.8% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (23.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron E3300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron E3300 vs Phenom X3 8400 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron E3300

The Celeron E3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,155 points. Launch price was $70.

Phenom X3 8400

The Phenom X3 8400 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,164 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Celeron E3300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X3 8400 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8400 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Celeron E3300 versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8400 — a 17.4% clock advantage for the Celeron E3300. The Celeron E3300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom X3 8400 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron E3300 scores 1,155 against the Phenom X3 8400's 1,164 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom X3 8400. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron E3300 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8400.

Feature	Celeron E3300	Phenom X3 8400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)+100%	512 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	Wolfdale (2008−2010)	Toliman (2008)
PassMark	1,155	1,164
Geekbench 6 Single	347	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	624	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron E3300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Phenom X3 8400 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron E3300	Phenom X3 8400
Socket	LGA775	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron E3300) / not specified (Phenom X3 8400). Primary use case: Celeron E3300 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron E3300 rivals Pentium E5200.