Celeron T3300 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 T3300 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 T3300 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 T3300

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 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

✅+500% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,004 vs 1,005).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron T3300 better than Core 2 Duo T9400?

Yes. Celeron T3300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 T3300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 T3300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark.

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

Celeron T3300 is the better buy right now. Celeron T3300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron T3300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron T3300 vs Core 2 Duo T9400 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron T3300

The Celeron T3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,005 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

The Core 2 Duo T9400 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron T3300 scores 1,005 against the Core 2 Duo T9400's 1,004 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron T3300. L3 cache: 1 MB on the Celeron T3300 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T9400.

Feature	Celeron T3300	Core 2 Duo T9400
Cores / Threads	—	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	2.53 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.53 GHz+26%
L3 Cache	1 MB	6 MB L2 Cache+500%
L2 Cache	—	6 MB
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	—	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,005	1,004
Geekbench 6 Single	—	320

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA478 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Celeron T3300	Core 2 Duo T9400
Socket	PGA478	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron T3300) / VT-x (Core 2 Duo T9400). Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo T9400 rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.