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 6305 vs Core i3-2125 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 6305 vs Core i3-2125: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 6305

2020

Why buy it

✅+49.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $27 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.4 vs 15.5 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Draws 3W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,077 vs 2,082).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2125.

Core i3-2125

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron 6305.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (499 vs 744).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.5 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
❌2500% higher power demand at 65W vs 2.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 6305 better than Core i3-2125?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron 6305 is ahead with 49.1% stronger Geekbench single-core performance. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2125 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Celeron 6305 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2125 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Celeron 6305 is the better buy right now. Celeron 6305 comes in $27 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you 49.1% stronger Geekbench single-core performance. The compromise is that Core i3-2125 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 24.9% better value on MSRP (19.4 vs 15.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron 6305 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-2125 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 6305

The Celeron 6305 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 2.5 MB. Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 2.5 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,077 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-2125

The Core i3-2125 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,082 points. Launch price was $170.

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Processing Power

The Celeron 6305 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2125's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Celeron 6305 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-2125 — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2125. The Celeron 6305 uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i3-2125 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 6305 scores 2,077 against the Core i3-2125's 2,082 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2125. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 744 vs 499, a 39.4% lead for the Celeron 6305 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron 6305 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2125.

Feature	Celeron 6305	Core i3-2125
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	3.3 GHz+83%
Base Clock	—	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2.5 MB+900%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm SuperFin-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,077	2,082
Geekbench 6 Single	744+49%	499
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,236	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 6305 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-2125 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Celeron 6305 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2125 — the Celeron 6305 supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 6305 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Celeron 6305) vs 16 (Core i3-2125) — the Core i3-2125 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Tiger Lake-U (Celeron 6305) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B65,Q65,Q67,B75,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2125).

Feature	Celeron 6305	Core i3-2125
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+140%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron 6305) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2125). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (Celeron 6305) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2125) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 6305 targets Budget, Core i3-2125 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron 6305 rivals Pentium Gold 7505; Core i3-2125 rivals A8-3850.

Feature	Celeron 6305	Core i3-2125
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics for 11th Gen	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Budget Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 6305 was priced at $107, while the Core i3-2125 came in at $134. On launch pricing ($107 vs $134), Celeron 6305 was $27 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 6305 delivers 19.4 pts/$ vs 15.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-2125 — making the Celeron 6305 the 22.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron 6305	Core i3-2125
MSRP	$107-20%	$134
Performance per Dollar	19.4+25%	15.5
Release Date	2020	2011

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