Celeron M P4600 vs Core i3-4030U

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 M P4600 vs Core i3-4030U 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 M P4600 vs Core i3-4030U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron M P4600

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $195 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 228.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.9 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-4030U

2014

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,876 vs 1,886).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 21.9 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron M P4600 better than Core i3-4030U?

Yes. Celeron M P4600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron M P4600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 M P4600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron M P4600 is the better buy right now. Celeron M P4600 comes in $195 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 228.5% better value on MSRP (21.9 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4030U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron M P4600 vs Core i3-4030U Technical Specifications

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

Celeron M P4600

The Celeron M P4600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,886 points. Launch price was $86.

Core i3-4030U

The Core i3-4030U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,876 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Celeron M P4600 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-4030U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Celeron M P4600 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4030U — a 5.1% clock advantage for the Celeron M P4600. The Celeron M P4600 uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-4030U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron M P4600 scores 1,886 against the Core i3-4030U's 1,876 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron M P4600. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron M P4600 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-4030U.

Feature	Celeron M P4600	Core i3-4030U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz+5%	1.9 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.9 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	3 MB+50%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,886	1,876

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron M P4600 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4030U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron M P4600	Core i3-4030U
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron M P4600 was priced at $86, while the Core i3-4030U came in at $281. On launch pricing ($86 vs $281), Celeron M P4600 was $195 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron M P4600 delivers 21.9 pts/$ vs 6.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-4030U — making the Celeron M P4600 the 106.6% better value option.

Feature	Celeron M P4600	Core i3-4030U
MSRP	$86-69%	$281
Performance per Dollar	21.9+227%	6.7
Release Date	2010	2014

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