Celeron J3355 vs Pentium N3540

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 J3355 vs Pentium N3540 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 J3355 vs Pentium N3540: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron J3355

2016

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (6 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 500, while Pentium N3540 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,203 vs 1,207).
❌400% higher power demand at 10W vs 2W.

Pentium N3540

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 10W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $161 MSRP, while Celeron J3355 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron J3355 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium N3540 better than Celeron J3355?

Yes. Pentium N3540 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium N3540 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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, Pentium N3540 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium N3540 is the better buy right now. Pentium N3540 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $161 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron J3355 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron J3355 vs Pentium N3540 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron J3355

The Celeron J3355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,203 points. Launch price was $107.

Pentium N3540

The Pentium N3540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.16 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,207 points. Launch price was $251.

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Processing Power

The Celeron J3355 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Pentium N3540 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium N3540 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Celeron J3355 versus 2.66 GHz on the Pentium N3540 — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Pentium N3540 (base: 2 GHz vs 2.16 GHz). The Celeron J3355 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium N3540 uses Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron J3355 scores 1,203 against the Pentium N3540's 1,207 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium N3540. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron J3355 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium N3540.

Feature	Celeron J3355	Pentium N3540
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	2.66 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.16 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	2 MB+100%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
PassMark	1,203	1,207
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	850	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron J3355 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium N3540 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron J3355	Pentium N3540
Socket	FCBGA1296	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	6	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron J3355) / not specified (Pentium N3540). The Celeron J3355 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 500), while the Pentium N3540 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron J3355 targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Celeron J3355 rivals Pentium J4205.