Celeron M 723 vs Core 2 Duo P9700

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 M 723 vs Core 2 Duo P9700 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 M 723 vs Core 2 Duo P9700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron M 723

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 1W instead of 28W, a 27W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $161 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo P9700 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core 2 Duo P9700

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Celeron M 723 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,178 vs 1,180).
❌2700% higher power demand at 28W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron M 723 better than Core 2 Duo P9700?

Yes. Celeron M 723 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron M 723 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% 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, Celeron M 723 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Celeron M 723 is the better buy right now. Celeron M 723 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $161 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core 2 Duo P9700 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 M 723 vs Core 2 Duo P9700 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron M 723

The Celeron M 723 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,180 points. Launch price was $69.

Core 2 Duo P9700

The Core 2 Duo P9700 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,178 points. Launch price was $348.

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Processing Power

The Celeron M 723 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core 2 Duo P9700 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core 2 Duo P9700 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Celeron M 723 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core 2 Duo P9700 — a 80% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo P9700. Both are built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Celeron M 723 scores 1,180 against the Core 2 Duo P9700's 1,178 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron M 723.

Feature	Celeron M 723	Core 2 Duo P9700
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock	1.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+133%
Base Clock	—	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	—	6 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	6 MB (total)+500%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,180	1,178
Geekbench 6 Single	100	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron M 723 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core 2 Duo P9700 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron M 723	Core 2 Duo P9700
Socket	BGA956	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: None (Celeron M 723) / not specified (Core 2 Duo P9700). Primary use case: Celeron M 723 targets Legacy Embedded. Direct competitor: Celeron M 723 rivals Core Solo U2100.