Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-2130

Intel

Celeron 6305

2 Cores2 Thrd2.5 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2130

2 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-2130 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.

Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130: 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

  • +47.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $31 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
  • Delivers 29.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.4 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
  • Draws 3W instead of 65W, a 63W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2130.

Core i3-2130

2011

Why buy it

  • 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 (505 vs 744).
  • Lower PassMark (2,067 vs 2,077).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.0 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • 2500% higher power demand at 65W vs 2.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 6305 better than Core i3-2130?
Yes. Celeron 6305 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, 0.5% 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 6305 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, Celeron 6305 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron 6305 is the better buy right now. Celeron 6305 comes in $31 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.6% better value on MSRP (19.4 vs 15.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron 6305 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron 6305 vs Core i3-2130 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i3-2130

The Core i3-2130 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,067 points. Launch price was $123.

Processing Power

The Celeron 6305 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2130's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Celeron 6305 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-2130 — a 61.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2130. The Celeron 6305 uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i3-2130 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 6305 scores 2,077 against the Core i3-2130's 2,067 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron 6305. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 744 vs 505, a 38.3% 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 i3-2130.

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-2130
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.8 GHz
3.4 GHz+89%
Base Clock
3.4 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
2,067
Geekbench 6 Single
744+47%
505
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,236
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 6305 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-2130 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 i3-2130 — 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 i3-2130) — the Core i3-2130 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Tiger Lake-U (Celeron 6305) and H61,B65,H67,P67,Z68,Q67,Q75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i3-2130).

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-2130
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%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron 6305) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2130). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (Celeron 6305) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2130) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 6305 targets Budget, Core i3-2130 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron 6305 rivals Pentium Gold 7505; Core i3-2130 rivals Pentium G860.

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-2130
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics for 11th Gen
HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Mainstream Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 6305 was priced at $107, while the Core i3-2130 came in at $138. On launch pricing ($107 vs $138), Celeron 6305 was $31 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 6305 delivers 19.4 pts/$ vs 15.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-2130 — making the Celeron 6305 the 25.8% better value option.

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i3-2130
MSRP
$107-22%
$138
Performance per Dollar
19.4+29%
15.0
Release Date
2020
2011

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