Celeron T3000 vs Pentium D 950

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 T3000 vs Pentium D 950 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 T3000 vs Pentium D 950: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron T3000

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $487 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $637 MSRP).
✅Delivers 311.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 6.0 vs 1.5 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $637 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (905 vs 935).

Pentium D 950

2006

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.5 vs 6.0 PassMark/$ ($637 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium D 950 better than Celeron T3000?

Yes. Pentium D 950 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 3.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium D 950 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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, Pentium D 950 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium D 950 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium D 950 comes in 324.7% more expensive on MSRP at $637 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron T3000 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 311.0% better value on paper (6.0 vs 1.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA478.

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

Celeron T3000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron T3000 vs Pentium D 950 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron T3000

The Celeron T3000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 905 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium D 950

The Pentium D 950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 January 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 935 points. Launch price was $637.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron T3000 and Pentium D 950 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Pentium D 950 is built on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron T3000 scores 905 against the Pentium D 950's 935 — a 3.3% lead for the Pentium D 950. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache on the Celeron T3000 vs 0 kB on the Pentium D 950.

Feature	Celeron T3000	Pentium D 950
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.4 GHz+89%
L3 Cache	1 MB L2 Cache	0 kB
L2 Cache	—	2 MB (total)
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	—	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	905	935+3%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron T3000 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium D 950 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron T3000	Pentium D 950
Socket	PGA478	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron T3000 was priced at $150, while the Pentium D 950 came in at $637. On launch pricing ($150 vs $637), Celeron T3000 was $487 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron T3000 delivers 6.0 pts/$ vs 1.5 pts/$ for the Pentium D 950 — making the Celeron T3000 the 121.7% better value option.

Feature	Celeron T3000	Pentium D 950
MSRP	$150-76%	$637
Performance per Dollar	6.0+300%	1.5
Release Date	2009	2006

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