Athlon Neo X2 L325 vs Celeron U3400

AMD

Athlon Neo X2 L325

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Celeron U3400

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 0.07 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······

Athlon Neo X2 L325 vs Celeron U3400 Performance Spectrum

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.

Athlon Neo X2 L325 vs Celeron U3400 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.

Athlon Neo X2 L325 vs Celeron U3400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon Neo X2 L325

2009

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +8.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 1W instead of 18W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.2 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Celeron U3400

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $14 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
  • Delivers 8.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 6.7 vs 6.2 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Athlon Neo X2 L325 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (575 vs 615).
  • 1700% higher power demand at 18W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon Neo X2 L325 better than Celeron U3400?
Yes. Athlon Neo X2 L325 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Athlon Neo X2 L325 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.6% 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, Athlon Neo X2 L325 is the stronger fit. You are getting 7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Athlon Neo X2 L325 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Athlon Neo X2 L325 comes in 16.3% more expensive on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron U3400 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 8.6% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron U3400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon Neo X2 L325 vs Celeron U3400 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon Neo X2 L325

The Athlon Neo X2 L325 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Congo (2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.5 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: ASB1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 615 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Celeron U3400

The Celeron U3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.06 GHz, with boost up to 0.07 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 575 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon Neo X2 L325 and Celeron U3400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Athlon Neo X2 L325 versus 0.07 GHz on the Celeron U3400 — a 182.2% clock advantage for the Athlon Neo X2 L325. The Athlon Neo X2 L325 uses the Congo (2009) architecture (65 nm), while the Celeron U3400 uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon Neo X2 L325 scores 615 against the Celeron U3400's 575 — a 6.7% lead for the Athlon Neo X2 L325.

FeatureAthlon Neo X2 L325Celeron U3400
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
1.5 GHz+2043%
0.07 GHz
Base Clock
1.06 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB+100%
512 kB
Process
65 nm
32 nm-51%
Architecture
Congo (2009)
Westmere (2010−2011)
PassMark
615+7%
575
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon Neo X2 L325 uses the ASB1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron U3400 uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureAthlon Neo X2 L325Celeron U3400
Socket
ASB1
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon Neo X2 L325 was priced at $100, while the Celeron U3400 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($100 vs $86), Celeron U3400 was $14 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon Neo X2 L325 delivers 6.2 pts/$ vs 6.7 pts/$ for the Celeron U3400 — making the Celeron U3400 the 8.4% better value option.

FeatureAthlon Neo X2 L325Celeron U3400
MSRP
$100
$86-14%
Performance per Dollar
6.2
6.7+8%
Release Date
2009
2010

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.