Celeron G550 vs Celeron N3060

Intel

Celeron G550

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron N3060

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.48 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Celeron G550 vs Celeron N3060 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 G550 vs Celeron N3060 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 G550 vs Celeron N3060: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G550

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $55 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • Delivers 107.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Celeron N3060

2016

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,267 vs 1,275).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.8 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G550 better than Celeron N3060?
Yes. Celeron G550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Celeron G550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 G550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G550 is the better buy right now. Celeron G550 comes in $55 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 107.1% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 11.8 PassMark/$), 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 N3060 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G550 vs Celeron N3060 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G550

The Celeron G550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 1,275 points. Launch price was $80.

Intel

Celeron N3060

The Celeron N3060 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $107.

Processing Power

Both the Celeron G550 and Celeron N3060 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron G550 versus 2.48 GHz on the Celeron N3060 — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Celeron G550 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Celeron G550 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron N3060 uses Braswell (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G550 scores 1,275 against the Celeron N3060's 1,267 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron G550. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G550 vs 0 kB on the Celeron N3060.

FeatureCeleron G550Celeron N3060
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+5%
2.48 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz+63%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB+300%
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Braswell (2015−2016)
PassMark
1,275
1,267
Geekbench 6 Single
379
Geekbench 6 Multi
663
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron N3060 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G550 versus 1600 on the Celeron N3060 — the Celeron N3060 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G550 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 G550) vs 4 (Celeron N3060) — the Celeron G550 offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G550) and FCBGA1170 (Celeron N3060).

FeatureCeleron G550Celeron N3060
Socket
LGA1155
FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+300%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16+300%
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G550) vs true (Celeron N3060). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G550) and Intel HD Graphics 400 (Celeron N3060) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G550 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G550 rivals Pentium G630; Celeron N3060 rivals AMD E2-9010.

FeatureCeleron G550Celeron N3060
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Intel HD Graphics 400
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G550 was priced at $52, while the Celeron N3060 came in at $107. On launch pricing ($52 vs $107), Celeron G550 was $55 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G550 delivers 24.5 pts/$ vs 11.8 pts/$ for the Celeron N3060 — making the Celeron G550 the 69.7% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G550Celeron N3060
MSRP
$52-51%
$107
Performance per Dollar
24.5+108%
11.8
Release Date
2012
2016

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