Celeron 2.20 vs Celeron 2.30

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.

Celeron 2.20 vs Celeron 2.30 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.

Celeron 2.20 vs Celeron 2.30: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 2.20

2002

Why buy it

✅Costs $21 less on MSRP ($79 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅Delivers 18.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 3.9 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($79 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (305 vs 325).

Celeron 2.30

2003

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $79 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 2.30 better than Celeron 2.20?

Yes. Celeron 2.30 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 6.6% 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, Celeron 2.30 has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 4.5% higher max boost clock.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 2.30 is the stronger fit. You are getting 6.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Celeron 2.30 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron 2.30 comes in 26.6% more expensive on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $79 MSRP, and it still gives you 6.6% higher PassMark. Celeron 2.20 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2002 platform. Even with 18.8% better value on paper (3.9 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA478.

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

Celeron 2.30 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2003 vs 2002) and more multi-core headroom with 1 cores / 1 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron 2.20 vs Celeron 2.30 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 2.20

The Celeron 2.20 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Northwood (2002−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 128 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 305 points. Launch price was $69.

Celeron 2.30

The Celeron 2.30 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Northwood (2002−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 128 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 325 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron 2.20 and Celeron 2.30 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Celeron 2.20 versus 2.3 GHz on the Celeron 2.30 — a 4.4% clock advantage for the Celeron 2.30. Both are built on the Northwood (2002−2004) architecture using a 130 nm process. In PassMark, the Celeron 2.20 scores 305 against the Celeron 2.30's 325 — a 6.3% lead for the Celeron 2.30. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Celeron 2.20	Celeron 2.30
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	1 / 1
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.3 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	128 kB	128 kB
Process	130 nm	130 nm
Architecture	Northwood (2002−2004)	Northwood (2002−2004)
PassMark	305	325+7%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA478 socket with PCIe 1.1. Both support up to DDR1-400 memory speed. Both support up to 4 GB of RAM. Both feature 1-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 845,850,865 (Celeron 2.20) and 845,850,865 (Celeron 2.30).

Feature	Celeron 2.20	Celeron 2.30
Socket	PGA478	PGA478
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR1-400	DDR1-400
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	4 GB
RAM Channels	1	1
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	0

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support No virtualization. Primary use case: Celeron 2.20 targets Budget, Celeron 2.30 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 2.20 rivals Pentium 4 2.40; Celeron 2.30 rivals Pentium 4 2.40.

Feature	Celeron 2.20	Celeron 2.30
Integrated GPU	No	No
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	No	No
Target Use	Budget	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 2.20 was priced at $79, while the Celeron 2.30 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($79 vs $100), Celeron 2.20 was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 2.20 delivers 3.9 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Celeron 2.30 — making the Celeron 2.20 the 17.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron 2.20	Celeron 2.30
MSRP	$79-21%	$100
Performance per Dollar	3.9+18%	3.3
Release Date	2002	2003

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