Celeron G555 vs Pentium M 740

Intel

Celeron G555

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium M 740

1 Cores1 Thrd27 WWMax: 1.73 GHz2005
Similar parts
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Celeron G555 vs Pentium M 740 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 G555 vs Pentium M 740 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 G555 vs Pentium M 740: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G555

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Pentium M 740 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Pentium M 740.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,427 vs 1,435).
  • Launch MSRP is still $52 MSRP, while Pentium M 740 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 140.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 27W.

Pentium M 740

2005

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 27W instead of 65W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G555 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G555.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G555 better than Pentium M 740?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G555 is ahead with a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium M 740 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, Pentium M 740 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G555 is the better buy right now. Celeron G555 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $52 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Pentium M 740 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (27.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G555 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2005). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G555 vs Pentium M 740 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G555

The Celeron G555 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,427 points. Launch price was $89.

Intel

Pentium M 740

The Pentium M 740 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Dothan (2004−2005) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 1.73 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 27 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 1,435 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Celeron G555 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Pentium M 740 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Celeron G555 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G555 versus 1.73 GHz on the Pentium M 740 — a 43.8% clock advantage for the Celeron G555 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Celeron G555 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium M 740 uses Dothan (2004−2005) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G555 scores 1,427 against the Pentium M 740's 1,435 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium M 740. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G555 vs 0 kB on the Pentium M 740.

FeatureCeleron G555Pentium M 740
Cores / Threads
2 / 2+100%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+56%
1.73 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+56%
1.73 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
2 MB+700%
Process
32 nm-64%
90 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Dothan (2004−2005)
PassMark
1,427
1,435
Geekbench 6 Single
398
Geekbench 6 Multi
742
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G555 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium M 740 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron G555Pentium M 740
Socket
LGA1155
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G555) / not specified (Pentium M 740). The Celeron G555 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Pentium M 740 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G555 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G555 rivals Pentium G630.

FeatureCeleron G555Pentium M 740
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Desktop