Celeron G540 vs Celeron N3150

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 N3150 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 N3150: 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

✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Celeron N3150.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Celeron N3150 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Celeron N3150

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,177 vs 1,182).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G540.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G540 better than Celeron N3150?

Yes. Celeron G540 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, 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 1.8% 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 0.4% better PassMark, 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 at an unclear MSRP at $42 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron N3150 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G540 vs Celeron N3150 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Celeron N3150

The Celeron N3150 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.08 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,177 points. Launch price was $107.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G540 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Celeron N3150 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N3150 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Celeron G540 versus 2.08 GHz on the Celeron N3150 — a 18.3% clock advantage for the Celeron G540 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Celeron G540 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron N3150 uses Braswell (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G540 scores 1,182 against the Celeron N3150's 1,177 — a 0.4% lead for the Celeron G540. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G540 vs 0 kB on the Celeron N3150.

Feature	Celeron G540	Celeron N3150
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+20%	2.08 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Braswell (2015−2016)
PassMark	1,182	1,177
Geekbench 6 Single	384	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	655	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G540 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron N3150 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G540 versus 1600 on the Celeron N3150 — the Celeron N3150 supports 20% 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 4 (Celeron N3150) — the Celeron G540 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Celeron G540) and FCBGA1170 (Celeron N3150).

Feature	Celeron G540	Celeron N3150
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+300%	4

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G540) vs true (Celeron N3150). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G540) and Intel HD Graphics (Braswell) (Celeron N3150) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G540 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G540 rivals Pentium G630; Celeron N3150 rivals AMD E2-7110.

Feature	Celeron G540	Celeron N3150
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)	Intel HD Graphics (Braswell)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Desktop	—