Celeron T3300 vs Core i5-540UM

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 i5-540UM 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 i5-540UM: 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 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i5-540UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-540UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-540UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Celeron T3300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,002 vs 1,005).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron T3300 better than Core i5-540UM?

Yes. Celeron T3300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, 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 1.9% 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 0.3% 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 $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-540UM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Celeron T3300 vs Core i5-540UM 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 i5-540UM

The Core i5-540UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,002 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-540UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron T3300 scores 1,005 against the Core i5-540UM's 1,002 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron T3300. L3 cache: 1 MB on the Celeron T3300 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-540UM.

Feature	Celeron T3300	Core i5-540UM
Cores / Threads	—	2 / 4
Boost Clock	—	2 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+67%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	1 MB	3 MB+200%
L2 Cache	—	512 kB
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	—	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,005	1,002

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron T3300 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-540UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron T3300	Core i5-540UM
Socket	PGA478	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	800
Max RAM Capacity	—	8
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron T3300) / true (Core i5-540UM). The Core i5-540UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Celeron T3300 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-540UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9400.