Celeron E3300 vs Celeron G460

Intel

Celeron E3300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron G460

1 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Celeron E3300 vs Celeron G460 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 E3300 vs Celeron G460 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 E3300 vs Celeron G460: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron E3300

2009

Why buy it

  • +15.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.1 vs 30.9 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $37 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G460 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Celeron G460

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $13 less on MSRP ($37 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
  • Delivers 34.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.9 vs 23.1 PassMark/$ ($37 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Celeron E3300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (300 vs 347).
  • Lower PassMark (1,145 vs 1,155).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron E3300 better than Celeron G460?
Yes. Celeron E3300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Celeron E3300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 E3300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron E3300 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron E3300 comes in 35.1% more expensive on MSRP at $50 MSRP versus $37 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G460 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 34.0% better value on paper (30.9 vs 23.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron G460 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 E3300 vs Celeron G460 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron E3300

The Celeron E3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,155 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Celeron G460

The Celeron G460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 December 2011 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,145 points. Launch price was $65.

Processing Power

The Celeron E3300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Celeron G460 offers 1 cores / 2 threads — the Celeron E3300 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Celeron E3300 versus 1.8 GHz on the Celeron G460 — a 32.6% clock advantage for the Celeron E3300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Celeron E3300 uses the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Celeron G460 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron E3300 scores 1,155 against the Celeron G460's 1,145 — a 0.9% lead for the Celeron E3300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 347 vs 300, a 14.5% lead for the Celeron E3300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron E3300 vs 1.5 MB on the Celeron G460.

FeatureCeleron E3300Celeron G460
Cores / Threads
2 / 2+100%
1 / 2
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz+39%
1.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+39%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
1.5 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (total)+300%
256 kB
Process
45 nm
32 nm-29%
Architecture
Wolfdale (2008−2010)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,155
1,145
Geekbench 6 Single
347+16%
300
Geekbench 6 Multi
624
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron E3300 uses the LGA775 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Celeron G460 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Celeron G460 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Celeron E3300) vs 16 (Celeron G460) — the Celeron G460 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: G31,G41,P45 (Celeron E3300) and H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G460).

FeatureCeleron E3300Celeron G460
Socket
LGA775
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
32 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. The Celeron G460 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Celeron E3300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron E3300 targets Budget, Celeron G460 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron E3300 rivals Pentium E5200; Celeron G460 rivals Pentium G630.

FeatureCeleron E3300Celeron G460
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron E3300 was priced at $50, while the Celeron G460 came in at $37. On launch pricing ($50 vs $37), Celeron G460 was $13 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron E3300 delivers 23.1 pts/$ vs 30.9 pts/$ for the Celeron G460 — making the Celeron G460 the 29% better value option.

FeatureCeleron E3300Celeron G460
MSRP
$50
$37-26%
Performance per Dollar
23.1
30.9+34%
Release Date
2009
2011

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