Celeron M U3400 vs Phenom X3 8450e

Intel

Celeron M U3400

2 Cores2 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.06 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X3 8450e

3 Cores3 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron M U3400 vs Phenom X3 8450e Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 U3400 vs Phenom X3 8450e 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 U3400 vs Phenom X3 8450e: 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 U3400

2010

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,205 vs 1,206).
    • Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Phenom X3 8450e mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

    Phenom X3 8450e

    2008

    Why buy it

    • Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Phenom X3 8450e better than Celeron M U3400?
    Yes. Phenom X3 8450e is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Phenom X3 8450e is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Phenom X3 8450e is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Phenom X3 8450e is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Phenom X3 8450e comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron M U3400 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.1% in the shared gaming data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Celeron M U3400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Celeron M U3400 vs Phenom X3 8450e Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron M U3400

    The Celeron M U3400 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. Max frequency: 1.06 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB + 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,205 points. Launch price was $69.

    AMD

    Phenom X3 8450e

    The Phenom X3 8450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,206 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron M U3400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X3 8450e offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8450e has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.06 GHz on the Celeron M U3400 versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8450e — a 65.8% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8450e. The Celeron M U3400 uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8450e uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron M U3400 scores 1,205 against the Phenom X3 8450e's 1,206 — a 0.1% lead for the Phenom X3 8450e. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron M U3400 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8450e.

    FeatureCeleron M U3400Phenom X3 8450e
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    3 / 3+50%
    Boost Clock
    1.06 GHz
    2.1 GHz+98%
    L3 Cache
    2 MB
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512 kB
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    32 nm-51%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Arrandale (2010−2011)
    Toliman (2008)
    PassMark
    1,205
    1,206
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron M U3400 uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8450e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron M U3400Phenom X3 8450e
    Socket
    BGA1288
    AM2+
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 2.0