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 T3100 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 T3100 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 T3100

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $575 less on MSRP ($62 MSRP vs $637 MSRP).
✅Delivers 938.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.2 vs 1.5 PassMark/$ ($62 MSRP vs $637 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 130W, a 95W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium D 950

2006

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Celeron T3100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (935 vs 945).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 1.5 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($637 MSRP vs $62 MSRP).
❌271.4% higher power demand at 130W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron T3100 better than Pentium D 950?

Yes. Celeron T3100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron T3100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.2% 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 T3100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark.

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

Celeron T3100 is the better buy right now. Celeron T3100 comes in $575 cheaper on MSRP at $62 MSRP versus $637 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 938.4% better value on MSRP (15.2 vs 1.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron T3100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2008 vs 2006). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron T3100 vs Pentium D 950 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron T3100

The Celeron T3100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 945 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

The Pentium D 950 is built on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron T3100 scores 945 against the Pentium D 950's 935 — a 1.1% lead for the Celeron T3100. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache on the Celeron T3100 vs 0 kB on the Pentium D 950.

Feature	Celeron T3100	Pentium D 950
Cores / Threads	—	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	1.9 GHz	3.4 GHz+79%
L3 Cache	1 MB L2 Cache	0 kB
L2 Cache	—	2 MB (total)
Process	45 nm-31%	65 nm
Architecture	—	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	945+1%	935
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron T3100 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 T3100	Pentium D 950
Socket	PGA478	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	0	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: None (Celeron T3100) / not specified (Pentium D 950). Primary use case: Celeron T3100 targets Legacy Laptop.

Feature	Celeron T3100	Pentium D 950
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	None	—
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron T3100 was priced at $62, while the Pentium D 950 came in at $637. On launch pricing ($62 vs $637), Celeron T3100 was $575 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron T3100 delivers 15.2 pts/$ vs 1.5 pts/$ for the Pentium D 950 — making the Celeron T3100 the 164.9% better value option.

Feature	Celeron T3100	Pentium D 950
MSRP	$62-90%	$637
Performance per Dollar	15.2+913%	1.5
Release Date	2008	2006

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