Celeron 6305 vs Core i5-2450M

Intel

Celeron 6305

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

Core i5-2450M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Celeron 6305 vs Core i5-2450M 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 i5-2450M 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 i5-2450M: 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

  • +64.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $118 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 110.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.4 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Draws 3W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-2450M

2012

Why buy it

  • 300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (453 vs 744).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (871 vs 1,236).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • 1300% higher power demand at 35W vs 2.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 6305 better than Core i5-2450M?
Yes. Celeron 6305 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, 41.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.0% higher 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 0.2% 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 6305 is the stronger fit. You are getting 41.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 $118 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 110.4% better value on MSRP (19.4 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), 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 2012), 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 i5-2450M 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 i5-2450M

The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.

Processing Power

The Celeron 6305 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2450M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Celeron 6305 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M — a 53.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2450M. The Celeron 6305 uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i5-2450M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 6305 scores 2,077 against the Core i5-2450M's 2,076 — a 0% lead for the Celeron 6305. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 744 vs 453, a 48.6% lead for the Celeron 6305 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,236 vs 871 (34.6% advantage for the Celeron 6305). L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron 6305 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M.

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i5-2450M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.8 GHz
3.1 GHz+72%
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB+33%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2.5 MB
256K (per core)+10140%
Process
10 nm SuperFin-69%
32 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
2,077
2,076
Cinebench R23 Multi
1,352
Geekbench 6 Single
744+64%
453
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,236+42%
871
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 6305 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-2450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Celeron 6305 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2450M — 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 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Celeron 6305) vs 16 (Core i5-2450M) — the Core i5-2450M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Tiger Lake-U (Celeron 6305) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2450M).

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i5-2450M
Socket
FCBGA1449
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+100%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+140%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+300%
16 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 true (Core i5-2450M). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (Celeron 6305) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2450M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 6305 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 6305 rivals Pentium Gold 7505; Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i5-2450M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics for 11th Gen
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 6305 was priced at $107, while the Core i5-2450M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($107 vs $225), Celeron 6305 was $118 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 6305 delivers 19.4 pts/$ vs 9.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-2450M — making the Celeron 6305 the 71.1% better value option.

FeatureCeleron 6305Core i5-2450M
MSRP
$107-52%
$225
Performance per Dollar
19.4+111%
9.2
Release Date
2020
2012

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