Celeron J3455 vs Core i5-3427U

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 J3455 vs Core i5-3427U 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 J3455 vs Core i5-3427U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron J3455

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 512W, a 502W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,247 vs 2,252).

Core i5-3427U

2012

Why buy it

✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 6) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌5020% higher power demand at 512W vs 10W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3427U better than Celeron J3455?

Yes. Core i5-3427U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3427U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3427U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3427U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-3427U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron J3455 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 J3455 vs Core i5-3427U Technical Specifications

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

Celeron J3455

The Celeron J3455 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L/LPDDR3 up to 1866 MT/s; LPDDR4 up to 2400 MT/s. Passmark benchmark score: 2,247 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i5-3427U

The Core i5-3427U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,252 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron J3455 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3427U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron J3455 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Celeron J3455 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-3427U — a 19.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-3427U (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Celeron J3455 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3427U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron J3455 scores 2,247 against the Core i5-3427U's 2,252 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3427U. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron J3455 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3427U.

Feature	Celeron J3455	Core i5-3427U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	2.8 GHz+22%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	1.8 GHz+20%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,247	2,252
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	850	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron J3455 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3427U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron J3455 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3427U — the Celeron J3455 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3427U 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: 6 (Celeron J3455) vs 16 (Core i5-3427U) — the Core i5-3427U offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: N/A (SoC) (Celeron J3455) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3427U).

Feature	Celeron J3455	Core i5-3427U
Socket	FCBGA1296	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	6	16+167%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron J3455) vs true (Core i5-3427U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 500 (Celeron J3455) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3427U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron J3455 targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Celeron J3455 rivals Pentium J4205; Core i5-3427U rivals AMD A8-4555M.