C-50 vs Pentium U5400

AMD

C-50

2 Cores2 Thrd9 WWMax: 1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium U5400

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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C-50 vs Pentium U5400 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.

C-50 vs Pentium U5400 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.

C-50 vs Pentium U5400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

C-50

2011

Why buy it

  • Draws 9W instead of 18W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,282 vs 1,286).

Pentium U5400

2010

Why buy it

  • 300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $289 MSRP, while C-50 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 100% higher power demand at 18W vs 9W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium U5400 better than C-50?
Yes. Pentium U5400 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Pentium U5400 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 U5400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium U5400 is the better buy right now. Pentium U5400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $289 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
C-50 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

C-50 vs Pentium U5400 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

C-50

The C-50 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR3 Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 1,282 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Pentium U5400

The Pentium U5400 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 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 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: 1,286 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

Both the C-50 and Pentium U5400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1 GHz on the C-50 versus 1.2 GHz on the Pentium U5400 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Pentium U5400. The C-50 uses the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture (40 nm), while the Pentium U5400 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the C-50 scores 1,282 against the Pentium U5400's 1,286 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium U5400. L3 cache: 0 kB on the C-50 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium U5400.

FeatureC-50Pentium U5400
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
1 GHz
1.2 GHz+20%
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
40 nm
32 nm-20%
Architecture
Ontario (2011−2012)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,282
1,286
Geekbench 6 Single
170
Geekbench 6 Multi
300
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Memory & Platform

The C-50 uses the FT1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium U5400 uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the C-50 versus DDR3-800 on the Pentium U5400 — the C-50 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium U5400 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (C-50) vs 2 (Pentium U5400). PCIe lanes: 4 (C-50) vs 16 (Pentium U5400) — the Pentium U5400 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD BGA413 (C-50) and HM55 (Pentium U5400).

FeatureC-50Pentium U5400
Socket
FT1
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066+33%
DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
8 GB+100%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
4
16+300%
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (C-50) / VT-x (Pentium U5400). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 6250 (C-50) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Pentium U5400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium U5400 targets Legacy Budget Laptop.

FeatureC-50Pentium U5400
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6250
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Legacy Budget Laptop