Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 vs Core i3-2330M

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 Dual-Core SU2300 vs Core i3-2330M 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 Dual-Core SU2300 vs Core i3-2330M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $134 MSRP, while Core i3-2330M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 6) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,250).
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 better than Core i3-2330M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2330M is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 is the better buy right now. Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $134 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-2330M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2330M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 vs Core i3-2330M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron Dual-Core SU2300

The Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,250 points. Launch price was $134.

Core i3-2330M

The Core i3-2330M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,248 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2330M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2330M. The Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2330M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 scores 1,250 against the Core i3-2330M's 1,248 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300.

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core SU2300	Core i3-2330M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.2 GHz	2.2 GHz+83%
Base Clock	—	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,250	1,248
Geekbench 6 Single	150	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	280	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2330M — the Core i3-2330M supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2330M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 6 (Celeron Dual-Core SU2300) vs 16 (Core i3-2330M) — the Core i3-2330M offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Celeron Dual-Core SU2300) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2330M).

Feature	Celeron Dual-Core SU2300	Core i3-2330M
Socket	BGA956	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	6	16+167%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron Dual-Core SU2300) vs true (Core i3-2330M). The Core i3-2330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 targets Legacy Mobile. Direct competitor: Celeron Dual-Core SU2300 rivals Pentium SU4100; Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.