Celeron G1820T vs Core i5-2557M

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 G1820T vs Core i5-2557M 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 G1820T vs Core i5-2557M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1820T

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (415 vs 521).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (629 vs 882).
❌217.6% higher power demand at 54W vs 17W.

Core i5-2557M

2011

Why buy it

✅+25.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 17W instead of 54W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2557M better than Celeron G1820T?

Yes. Core i5-2557M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 40.2% better Geekbench multi-core, and 1.2% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2557M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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, Core i5-2557M is the stronger fit. You are getting 40.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2557M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-2557M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron G1820T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G1820T vs Core i5-2557M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G1820T

The Celeron G1820T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,599 points. Launch price was $42.

Core i5-2557M

The Core i5-2557M 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 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,618 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G1820T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2557M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Celeron G1820T versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-2557M — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-2557M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Celeron G1820T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2557M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1820T scores 1,599 against the Core i5-2557M's 1,618 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-2557M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 415 vs 521, a 22.6% lead for the Core i5-2557M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 629 vs 882 (33.5% advantage for the Core i5-2557M). Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Celeron G1820T	Core i5-2557M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+13%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+41%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,599	1,618+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	415	521+26%
Geekbench 6 Multi	629	882+40%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G1820T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2557M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Celeron G1820T 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: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Celeron G1820T) and HM65,QS67 (Core i5-2557M).

Feature	Celeron G1820T	Core i5-2557M
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
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 G1820T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2557M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Haswell) (Celeron G1820T) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2557M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1820T targets Budget, Core i5-2557M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1820T rivals Pentium G3220T; Core i5-2557M rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.