Celeron G550 vs Core i3-2348M

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 Core i3-2348M 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 Core i3-2348M: 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

✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,275 vs 1,286).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $52 MSRP, while Core i3-2348M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-2348M

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G550 better than Core i3-2348M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G550 is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2348M pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark. Core i3-2348M 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, Core i3-2348M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Celeron G550 is the better buy right now. Celeron G550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $52 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2348M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.9% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2348M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G550 vs Core i3-2348M Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i3-2348M

The Core i3-2348M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,286 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G550 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2348M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron G550 versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-2348M — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Celeron G550 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Celeron G550 scores 1,275 against the Core i3-2348M's 1,286 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-2348M. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G550 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-2348M.

Feature	Celeron G550	Core i3-2348M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+13%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+13%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,275	1,286
Geekbench 6 Single	379	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	663	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2348M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G550 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2348M — the Core i3-2348M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G550 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G550) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2348M).

Feature	Celeron G550	Core i3-2348M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G550) vs true (Core i3-2348M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G550) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2348M) — 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; Core i3-2348M rivals Core i3-2330M.