Celeron J3355 vs Core 2 Duo T9900

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 J3355 vs Core 2 Duo T9900 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 J3355 vs Core 2 Duo T9900: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron J3355

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 35W, a 25W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (6 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 500, while Core 2 Duo T9900 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,203 vs 1,204).

Core 2 Duo T9900

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌250% higher power demand at 35W vs 10W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron J3355 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron J3355 better than Core 2 Duo T9900?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron J3355 is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T9900 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 2 Duo T9900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron J3355 still makes the most sense overall. Celeron J3355 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron J3355 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron J3355 vs Core 2 Duo T9900 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron J3355

The Celeron J3355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,203 points. Launch price was $107.

Core 2 Duo T9900

The Core 2 Duo T9900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,204 points. Launch price was $530.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron J3355 and Core 2 Duo T9900 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Celeron J3355 versus 0.07 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9900 — a 189.1% clock advantage for the Celeron J3355 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Celeron J3355 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T9900 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron J3355 scores 1,203 against the Core 2 Duo T9900's 1,204 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9900. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron J3355 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9900.

Feature	Celeron J3355	Core 2 Duo T9900
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+3471%	0.07 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	3.06 GHz+53%
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	6 MB (total)+500%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,203	1,204
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	850	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron J3355 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo T9900 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron J3355	Core 2 Duo T9900
Socket	FCBGA1296	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	6	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron J3355) / not specified (Core 2 Duo T9900). The Celeron J3355 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 500), while the Core 2 Duo T9900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron J3355 targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Celeron J3355 rivals Pentium J4205.