CPU
GPU
Core 2 Duo E6400
Celeron Dual-Core T3100
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Duo E6400 is positioned at rank 1059 and the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 is on rank 711, so the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo E6400
Performance Per Dollar Celeron Dual-Core T3100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Celeron Dual-Core T3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Conroe (2006−2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Celeron Dual-Core T3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Duo E6400 and Celeron Dual-Core T3100
Core 2 Duo E6400
The Core 2 Duo E6400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,175 points. Launch price was $249.
Celeron Dual-Core T3100
The Celeron Dual-Core T3100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,174 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core 2 Duo E6400 and Celeron Dual-Core T3100 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.13 GHz on the Core 2 Duo E6400 versus 1.9 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo E6400. The Core 2 Duo E6400 uses the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo E6400 scores 1,175 against the Celeron Dual-Core T3100's 1,174 — a 0.1% lead for the Core 2 Duo E6400.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Celeron Dual-Core T3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.13 GHz+12% | 1.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | — |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+100% | 1 MB |
| Process | 65 nm | 45 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Conroe (2006−2007) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,175 | 1,174 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo E6400 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core 2 Duo E6400 versus DDR3-800 on the Celeron Dual-Core T3100 — the Core 2 Duo E6400 supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core 2 Duo E6400 supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core 2 Duo E6400) vs 0 (Celeron Dual-Core T3100) — the Core 2 Duo E6400 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P35,G31,G33,P45 (Core 2 Duo E6400) and GL40,GM45,GS45 (Celeron Dual-Core T3100).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Celeron Dual-Core T3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA775 | PGA478 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core 2 Duo E6400) vs No (Celeron Dual-Core T3100). Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T3100 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo E6400 rivals Athlon 64 X2 5400+; Celeron Dual-Core T3100 rivals Pentium T4200.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo E6400 | Celeron Dual-Core T3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | No |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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