Celeron 2.80 vs Celeron 420

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 2.80 vs Celeron 420 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 2.80 vs Celeron 420: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 2.80

2003

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.3 vs 10.9 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $39 MSRP).
❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.

Celeron 420

2007

Why buy it

✅Costs $61 less on MSRP ($39 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅Delivers 154.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.9 vs 4.3 PassMark/$ ($39 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (425 vs 428).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 2.80 better than Celeron 420?

Yes. Celeron 2.80 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron 2.80 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Celeron 2.80 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Celeron 2.80 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron 2.80 comes in 156.4% more expensive on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $39 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron 420 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2007 platform. Even with 154.6% better value on paper (10.9 vs 4.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA775.

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

Celeron 420 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2007 vs 2003). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 2.80 vs Celeron 420 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 2.80

The Celeron 2.80 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: 2.8 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: 428 points. Launch price was $69.

Celeron 420

The Celeron 420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 June 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Conroe-L (2007−2008) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 425 points. Launch price was $23.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron 2.80 and Celeron 420 share an identical 1-core/1-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron 2.80 versus 1.6 GHz on the Celeron 420 — a 54.5% clock advantage for the Celeron 2.80. The Celeron 2.80 uses the Northwood (2002−2004) architecture (130 nm), while the Celeron 420 uses Conroe-L (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 2.80 scores 428 against the Celeron 420's 425 — a 0.7% lead for the Celeron 2.80. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	Celeron 2.80	Celeron 420
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	1 / 1
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+75%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	128 kB	512 kB (total)+300%
Process	130 nm	65 nm-50%
Architecture	Northwood (2002−2004)	Conroe-L (2007−2008)
PassMark	428	425

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 2.80 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron 420 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR1-400 on the Celeron 2.80 versus DDR2-800 on the Celeron 420 — the Celeron 420 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 420 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Celeron 2.80) vs 2 (Celeron 420). Both provide 0 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 845,848,865,875 (Celeron 2.80) and 945,G31,G41 (Celeron 420).

Feature	Celeron 2.80	Celeron 420
Socket	PGA478	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR1-400	DDR2-800+100%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
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 2.80 targets Budget, Celeron 420 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 2.80 rivals Pentium 4 2.80; Celeron 420 rivals Pentium 4 2.80.

Feature	Celeron 2.80	Celeron 420
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 2.80 was priced at $100, while the Celeron 420 came in at $39. On launch pricing ($100 vs $39), Celeron 420 was $61 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 2.80 delivers 4.3 pts/$ vs 10.9 pts/$ for the Celeron 420 — making the Celeron 420 the 87.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron 2.80	Celeron 420
MSRP	$100	$39-61%
Performance per Dollar	4.3	10.9+153%
Release Date	2003	2007

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