Celeron G540 vs Celeron M 723

Intel

Celeron G540

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron M 723

1 Cores1 Thrd1 WWMax: 1.2 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron G540 vs Celeron M 723 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 G540 vs Celeron M 723 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 G540 vs Celeron M 723: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G540

2011

Why buy it

  • +284% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $119 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $161 MSRP).
  • Delivers 284.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.1 vs 7.3 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $161 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Celeron M 723 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Celeron M 723

2008

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (100 vs 384).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (100 vs 655).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.3 vs 28.1 PassMark/$ ($161 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G540 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G540.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G540 better than Celeron M 723?
Yes. Celeron G540 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 555% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.2% 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 G540 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 G540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 555% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G540 is the better buy right now. Celeron G540 comes in $119 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $161 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 284.0% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 7.3 PassMark/$), 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 G540 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G540 vs Celeron M 723 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G540

The Celeron G540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,182 points. Launch price was $158.

Intel

Celeron M 723

The Celeron M 723 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 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: 1,180 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Celeron G540 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Celeron M 723 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Celeron G540 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Celeron G540 versus 1.2 GHz on the Celeron M 723 — a 70.3% clock advantage for the Celeron G540. The Celeron G540 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron M 723 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G540 scores 1,182 against the Celeron M 723's 1,180 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron G540. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 384 vs 100, a 117.4% lead for the Celeron G540 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 655 vs 100 (147% advantage for the Celeron G540).

FeatureCeleron G540Celeron M 723
Cores / Threads
2 / 2+100%
1 / 1
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz+108%
1.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB+300%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark
1,182
1,180
Geekbench 6 Single
384+284%
100
Geekbench 6 Multi
655+555%
100
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G540 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron M 723 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G540 versus DDR2-800 on the Celeron M 723 — the Celeron G540 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G540 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: 16 (Celeron G540) vs 0 (Celeron M 723) — the Celeron G540 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Celeron G540) and GS45 (Celeron M 723).

FeatureCeleron G540Celeron M 723
Socket
LGA1155
BGA956
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333+67%
DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+300%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G540) vs None (Celeron M 723). The Celeron G540 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Celeron M 723 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G540 targets Desktop, Celeron M 723 targets Legacy Embedded. Direct competitor: Celeron G540 rivals Pentium G630; Celeron M 723 rivals Core Solo U2100.

FeatureCeleron G540Celeron M 723
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
None
Target Use
Desktop
Legacy Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G540 was priced at $42, while the Celeron M 723 came in at $161. On launch pricing ($42 vs $161), Celeron G540 was $119 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G540 delivers 28.1 pts/$ vs 7.3 pts/$ for the Celeron M 723 — making the Celeron G540 the 117.4% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G540Celeron M 723
MSRP
$42-74%
$161
Performance per Dollar
28.1+285%
7.3
Release Date
2011
2008

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