Athlon X2 450 vs Celeron E3500

CPU

GPU

Athlon X2 450

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2014

Similar parts

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Celeron E3500

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2010

Similar parts

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Athlon X2 450 vs Celeron E3500 Performance Spectrum

Athlon X2 450

2 / 2

1,295

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Celeron E3500

2 / 2

1,290

0.0%

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 X2 450 vs Celeron E3500 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 X2 450 vs Celeron E3500: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X2 450

2014

Why buy it

✅+29.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $2 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $62 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Celeron E3500.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Celeron E3500

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (347 vs 450).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (624 vs 800).
❌
3.3% HIGHER MSRP
$62 MSRPvs$60 MSRP
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon X2 450.

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X2 450 better than Celeron E3500?

Yes. Athlon X2 450 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 28.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.4% higher 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, Athlon X2 450 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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, Athlon X2 450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 28.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon X2 450 is the better buy right now. Athlon X2 450 comes in $2 cheaper on MSRP at $60 MSRP versus $62 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 3.7% better value on MSRP (21.6 vs 20.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Athlon X2 450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon X2 450 vs Celeron E3500 Technical Specifications

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

Athlon X2 450

The Athlon X2 450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,295 points. Launch price was $149.

Celeron E3500

The Celeron E3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,290 points. Launch price was $62.

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Processing Power

Both the Athlon X2 450 and Celeron E3500 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Athlon X2 450 versus 2.7 GHz on the Celeron E3500 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Athlon X2 450 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Athlon X2 450 uses the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Celeron E3500 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X2 450 scores 1,295 against the Celeron E3500's 1,290 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon X2 450. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 347, a 25.8% lead for the Athlon X2 450 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 800 vs 624 (24.7% advantage for the Athlon X2 450).

Feature	Athlon X2 450	Celeron E3500
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+44%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+30%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	—	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB (total)	1 MB (total)
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Kaveri (2014−2015)	Wolfdale (2008−2010)
PassMark	1,295	1,290
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	450+30%	347
Geekbench 6 Multi	800+28%	624

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon X2 450 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron E3500 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the Athlon X2 450 versus DDR3-1066 on the Celeron E3500 — the Athlon X2 450 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X2 450 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Athlon X2 450) vs 0 (Celeron E3500) — the Athlon X2 450 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A88X,A78,A68H (Athlon X2 450) and G31,G41,P45 (Celeron E3500).

Feature	Athlon X2 450	Celeron E3500
Socket	FM2+	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon X2 450) vs VT-x (Celeron E3500). Primary use case: Athlon X2 450 targets Basic Desktop, Celeron E3500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Athlon X2 450 rivals Core i3-3220; Celeron E3500 rivals Pentium E5200.

Feature	Athlon X2 450	Celeron E3500
Integrated GPU	No	No
IGPU Model	None	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x
Target Use	Basic Desktop	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X2 450 was priced at $60, while the Celeron E3500 came in at $62. On launch pricing ($60 vs $62), Athlon X2 450 was $2 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X2 450 delivers 21.6 pts/$ vs 20.8 pts/$ for the Celeron E3500 — making the Athlon X2 450 the 3.7% better value option.

Feature	Athlon X2 450	Celeron E3500
MSRP	$60-3%	$62
Performance per Dollar	21.6+4%	20.8
Release Date	2014	2010

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