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 Pentium U5400 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 Pentium U5400: 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

✅+122.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $237 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
✅Delivers 451.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.5 vs 4.4 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌261.1% higher power demand at 65W vs 18W.

Pentium U5400

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 65W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (170 vs 379).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (300 vs 663).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.4 vs 24.5 PassMark/$ ($289 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G550 better than Pentium U5400?

Yes. Celeron G550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 121% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 G550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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 121% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 $237 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $289 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 451.0% better value on MSRP (24.5 vs 4.4 PassMark/$), 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 G550 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 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 Pentium U5400 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.

Pentium U5400

The Pentium U5400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,286 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron G550 and Pentium U5400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron G550 versus 1.2 GHz on the Pentium U5400 — a 73.7% clock advantage for the Celeron G550 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Celeron G550 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium U5400 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G550 scores 1,275 against the Pentium U5400's 1,286 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium U5400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 379 vs 170, a 76.1% lead for the Celeron G550 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 663 vs 300 (75.4% advantage for the Celeron G550). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G550 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium U5400.

Feature	Celeron G550	Pentium U5400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+117%	1.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+117%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,275	1,286
Geekbench 6 Single	379+123%	170
Geekbench 6 Multi	663+121%	300

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G550 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium U5400 uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G550 versus DDR3-800 on the Pentium U5400 — the Celeron G550 supports 33.3% 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G550) and HM55 (Pentium U5400).

Feature	Celeron G550	Pentium U5400
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066+33%	DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G550) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Pentium U5400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G550 targets Budget, Pentium U5400 targets Legacy Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron G550 rivals Pentium G630.

Feature	Celeron G550	Pentium U5400
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Budget Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G550 was priced at $52, while the Pentium U5400 came in at $289. On launch pricing ($52 vs $289), Celeron G550 was $237 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G550 delivers 24.5 pts/$ vs 4.4 pts/$ for the Pentium U5400 — making the Celeron G550 the 138.6% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G550	Pentium U5400
MSRP	$52-82%	$289
Performance per Dollar	24.5+457%	4.4
Release Date	2012	2010

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