Celeron P4600 vs Core 2 Duo T9400

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 P4600 vs Core 2 Duo T9400 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 P4600 vs Core 2 Duo T9400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron P4600

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), while Core 2 Duo T9400 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 2 Duo T9400 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (965 vs 1,004).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T9400 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Core 2 Duo T9400

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron P4600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T9400 better than Celeron P4600?

Yes. Core 2 Duo T9400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 4% 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 T9400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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 T9400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core 2 Duo T9400 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo T9400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron P4600 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Celeron P4600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron P4600 vs Core 2 Duo T9400 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron P4600

The Celeron P4600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 965 points. Launch price was $69.

Core 2 Duo T9400

The Core 2 Duo T9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 July 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,004 points. Launch price was $316.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron P4600 and Core 2 Duo T9400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.1 GHz on the Celeron P4600 versus 2.53 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T9400 — a 184.8% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T9400 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Celeron P4600 uses the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T9400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron P4600 scores 965 against the Core 2 Duo T9400's 1,004 — a 4% lead for the Core 2 Duo T9400. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron P4600 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9400.

Feature	Celeron P4600	Core 2 Duo T9400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.1 GHz	2.53 GHz+2430%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.53 GHz+26%
L3 Cache	2 MB	6 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache	512 kB	6 MB+1100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Westmere (2010−2011)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	965	1,004+4%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	320

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron P4600 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T9400 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1066 memory speed. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Celeron P4600) and GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T9400).

Feature	Celeron P4600	Core 2 Duo T9400
Socket	PGA988	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Celeron P4600) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9400). The Celeron P4600 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core 2 Duo T9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron P4600 rivals Pentium P6000; Core 2 Duo T9400 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.