Celeron 3965Y vs Phenom X3 8450e

Celeron 3965Y vs Phenom X3 8450e Performance Spectrum

Celeron 3965Y

2 / 2

1,201

0.0%

1,206

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Celeron 3965Y vs Phenom X3 8450e 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 3965Y vs Phenom X3 8450e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 3965Y

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (10 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 615, while Phenom X3 8450e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,201 vs 1,206).

Phenom X3 8450e

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron 3965Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X3 8450e better than Celeron 3965Y?

Yes. Phenom X3 8450e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom X3 8450e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Phenom X3 8450e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom X3 8450e still makes the most sense overall. Phenom X3 8450e comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron 3965Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 3965Y vs Phenom X3 8450e Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 3965Y

The Celeron 3965Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,201 points. Launch price was $69.

Phenom X3 8450e

The Phenom X3 8450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,206 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Celeron 3965Y packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X3 8450e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8450e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.3 GHz on the Celeron 3965Y versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8450e — a 47.1% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8450e. The Celeron 3965Y uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom X3 8450e uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 3965Y scores 1,201 against the Phenom X3 8450e's 1,206 — a 0.4% lead for the Phenom X3 8450e. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron 3965Y vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8450e.

Feature	Celeron 3965Y	Phenom X3 8450e
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	1.3 GHz	2.1 GHz+62%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	—
L3 Cache	2 MB	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-78%	65 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Toliman (2008)
PassMark	1,201	1,206
Geekbench 6 Single	372	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	708	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 3965Y uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X3 8450e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron 3965Y	Phenom X3 8450e
Socket	FCBGA1515	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	10	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron 3965Y) / not specified (Phenom X3 8450e). The Celeron 3965Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 615), while the Phenom X3 8450e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 3965Y targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Celeron 3965Y rivals Pentium Gold 4415Y.