Atom N450 vs Celeron 220

Intel

Atom N450

1 Cores2 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.67 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron 220

1 Cores1 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.2 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Atom N450 vs Celeron 220 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.

Atom N450 vs Celeron 220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom N450

2009

Why buy it

  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel GMA 3150, while Celeron 220 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Celeron 220

2007

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (320 vs 325).
    • Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Atom N450 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • No integrated graphics, while Atom N450 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Atom N450 better than Celeron 220?
    Yes. Atom N450 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 1.6% better 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, Atom N450 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 39.2% higher max boost clock.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom N450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Atom N450 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Atom N450 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% higher PassMark. Celeron 220 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.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Atom N450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Atom N450 vs Celeron 220 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Atom N450

    The Atom N450 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 December 2009 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.66 GHz, with boost up to 1.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 5.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 325 points. Launch price was $64.

    Intel

    Celeron 220

    The Celeron 220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Conroe (2006−2007) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: BGA479. Thermal design power (TDP): 19 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 320 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Atom N450 packs 1 cores / 2 threads, matching the Celeron 220's 1 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.67 GHz on the Atom N450 versus 1.2 GHz on the Celeron 220 — a 32.8% clock advantage for the Atom N450 (base: 1.66 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Atom N450 uses the Pinetrail (2009−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron 220 uses Conroe (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N450 scores 325 against the Celeron 220's 320 — a 1.6% lead for the Atom N450. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

    FeatureAtom N450Celeron 220
    Cores / Threads
    1 / 2
    1 / 1
    Boost Clock
    1.67 GHz+39%
    1.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.66 GHz+38%
    1.2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    0 kB
    L2 Cache
    512 kB (per core)
    512 kB
    Process
    45 nm-31%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Pinetrail (2009−2011)
    Conroe (2006−2007)
    PassMark
    325+2%
    320
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Atom N450 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron 220 uses BGA479 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR2-667 memory speed. The Celeron 220 supports up to 4 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N450) and 945G,G31,G41 (Celeron 220).

    FeatureAtom N450Celeron 220
    Socket
    FCBGA559
    BGA479
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    PCIe 1.1
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-667
    DDR2-667
    Max RAM Capacity
    2 GB
    4 GB+100%
    RAM Channels
    1
    1
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    0
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Atom N450) / No (Celeron 220). The Atom N450 includes integrated graphics (Intel GMA 3150), while the Celeron 220 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 220 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 220 rivals Athlon 64 3100+.

    FeatureAtom N450Celeron 220
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    No
    IGPU Model
    Intel GMA 3150
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    No
    Target Use
    Budget