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.

Pentium T3400 vs Pentium U5600 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.

Pentium T3400 vs Pentium U5600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Pentium T3400

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.6 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Pentium U5600

2011

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).
✅Costs $50 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅Delivers 48.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.3 vs 5.6 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (835 vs 845).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium T3400 better than Pentium U5600?

Yes. Pentium T3400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium T3400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 T3400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark.

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

Pentium T3400 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Pentium T3400 comes in 50.0% more expensive on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium U5600 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 1.5% in the shared gaming data.

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

Pentium U5600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and 200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Pentium T3400 vs Pentium U5600 Technical Specifications

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

Pentium T3400

The Pentium T3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.16 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 845 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium U5600

The Pentium U5600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.33 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 835 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Pentium U5600 is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Pentium T3400 scores 845 against the Pentium U5600's 835 — a 1.2% lead for the Pentium T3400. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium T3400 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium U5600.

Feature	Pentium T3400	Pentium U5600
Cores / Threads	—	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	1.33 GHz
Base Clock	2.16 GHz+62%	1.33 GHz
L3 Cache	1 MB L2 Cache	3 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	65 nm	32 nm-51%
Architecture	—	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	845+1%	835

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Pentium T3400 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium U5600 uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Pentium T3400	Pentium U5600
Socket	PGA478	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Pentium T3400 was priced at $150, while the Pentium U5600 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($150 vs $100), Pentium U5600 was $50 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Pentium T3400 delivers 5.6 pts/$ vs 8.3 pts/$ for the Pentium U5600 — making the Pentium U5600 the 38.9% better value option.

Feature	Pentium T3400	Pentium U5600
MSRP	$150	$100-33%
Performance per Dollar	5.6	8.3+48%
Release Date	2008	2011

Search Pentium T3400 on Amazon

Search Pentium U5600 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.