Celeron G550T vs Core i3-350M

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 G550T vs Core i3-350M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

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Celeron G550T vs Core i3-350M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G550T

2011

Why buy it

✅+30.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $88 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
✅Delivers 205.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.6 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (280 vs 366).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (650 vs 656).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G550T better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Celeron G550T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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 G550T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 G550T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G550T is the better buy right now. Celeron G550T comes in $88 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 205.5% better value on MSRP (25.6 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), 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 G550T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G550T vs Core i3-350M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G550T

The Celeron G550T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,074 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G550T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-350M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Celeron G550T versus 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M — a 156.3% clock advantage for the Celeron G550T (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Celeron G550T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-350M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G550T scores 1,074 against the Core i3-350M's 1,088 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-350M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 366 vs 280, a 26.6% lead for the Celeron G550T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 656 vs 650 (0.9% advantage for the Celeron G550T). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G550T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M.

Feature	Celeron G550T	Core i3-350M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz+715%	0.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.26 GHz+3%
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	1,074	1,088+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	366+31%	280
Geekbench 6 Multi	656	650

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G550T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-350M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Celeron G550T 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 G550T) and HM55,HM57 (Core i3-350M).

Feature	Celeron G550T	Core i3-350M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1066
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. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G550T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G550T) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-350M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G550T targets Budget, Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron G550T rivals Pentium G630T; Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Celeron G550T	Core i3-350M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Entry Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G550T was priced at $42, while the Core i3-350M came in at $130. On launch pricing ($42 vs $130), Celeron G550T was $88 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G550T delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-350M — making the Celeron G550T the 101.4% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G550T	Core i3-350M
MSRP	$42-68%	$130
Performance per Dollar	25.6+205%	8.4
Release Date	2011	2010

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