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 G5900T vs Core 2 Duo E8700 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 G5900T vs Core 2 Duo E8700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G5900T

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $214 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $256 MSRP).
✅Delivers 504.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.2 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $256 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 610, while Core 2 Duo E8700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,192 vs 2,212).

Core 2 Duo E8700

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.6 vs 52.2 PassMark/$ ($256 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G5900T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo E8700 better than Celeron G5900T?

Yes. Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo E8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core 2 Duo E8700 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo E8700 comes in 509.5% more expensive on MSRP at $256 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G5900T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 2,192 PassMark with 2 cores and 2 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Celeron G5900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G5900T vs Core 2 Duo E8700 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G5900T

The Celeron G5900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 2,192 points. Launch price was $69.

Core 2 Duo E8700

The Core 2 Duo E8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 2,212 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron G5900T and Core 2 Duo E8700 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Core 2 Duo E8700 is built on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G5900T scores 2,192 against the Core 2 Duo E8700's 2,212 — a 0.9% lead for the Core 2 Duo E8700.

Feature	Celeron G5900T	Core 2 Duo E8700
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.5 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	2 MB Intel® Smart Cache	—
L2 Cache	—	6 MB (total)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	—	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	2,192	2,212
Geekbench 6 Single	748	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	750	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G5900T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo E8700 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G5900T	Core 2 Duo E8700
Socket	LGA1200	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G5900T) / not specified (Core 2 Duo E8700). The Celeron G5900T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Core 2 Duo E8700 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5900T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G5900T rivals Pentium Gold G6400T.

Feature	Celeron G5900T	Core 2 Duo E8700
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 610	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G5900T was priced at $42, while the Core 2 Duo E8700 came in at $256. On launch pricing ($42 vs $256), Celeron G5900T was $214 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G5900T delivers 52.2 pts/$ vs 8.6 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo E8700 — making the Celeron G5900T the 143.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G5900T	Core 2 Duo E8700
MSRP	$42-84%	$256
Performance per Dollar	52.2+507%	8.6
Release Date	2020	2009

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