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 G1610T vs Core i5-480M 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 G1610T vs Core i5-480M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1610T

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $39 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $81 MSRP).
✅Delivers 93.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.7 vs 16.4 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $81 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i5-480M

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,327 vs 1,333).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.4 vs 31.7 PassMark/$ ($81 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G1610T better than Core i5-480M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-480M is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G1610T pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i5-480M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G1610T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G1610T is the better buy right now. Celeron G1610T comes in $39 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $81 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-480M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 93.7% better value on MSRP (31.7 vs 16.4 PassMark/$), 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 G1610T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) 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 G1610T vs Core i5-480M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G1610T

The Celeron G1610T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 December 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,333 points. Launch price was $89.

Core i5-480M

The Core i5-480M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,327 points. Launch price was $81.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G1610T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-480M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Celeron G1610T versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i5-480M — a 24.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-480M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Celeron G1610T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-480M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1610T scores 1,333 against the Core i5-480M's 1,327 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron G1610T. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G1610T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-480M.

Feature	Celeron G1610T	Core i5-480M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	2.93 GHz+27%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.66 GHz+16%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,333	1,327
Geekbench 6 Single	393	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	674	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G1610T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-480M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G1610T versus 1066 on the Core i5-480M — the Celeron G1610T supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G1610T 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z77 (Celeron G1610T) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-480M).

Feature	Celeron G1610T	Core i5-480M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G1610T) vs true (Core i5-480M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) (Celeron G1610T) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-480M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1610T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1610T rivals Pentium G2020T; Core i5-480M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

Feature	Celeron G1610T	Core i5-480M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G1610T was priced at $42, while the Core i5-480M came in at $81. On launch pricing ($42 vs $81), Celeron G1610T was $39 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G1610T delivers 31.7 pts/$ vs 16.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-480M — making the Celeron G1610T the 63.8% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G1610T	Core i5-480M
MSRP	$42-48%	$81
Performance per Dollar	31.7+93%	16.4
Release Date	2012	2011

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