Celeron N3060 vs Core i3-2350M

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 N3060 vs Core i3-2350M 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 N3060 vs Core i3-2350M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N3060

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,267 vs 1,276).
❌Launch MSRP is still $107 MSRP, while Core i3-2350M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-2350M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N3060 better than Core i3-2350M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron N3060 is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2350M pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2350M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Celeron N3060 is the better buy right now. Celeron N3060 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $107 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2350M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 N3060 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N3060 vs Core i3-2350M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N3060

The Celeron N3060 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i3-2350M

The Core i3-2350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 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: 1,276 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N3060 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2350M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.48 GHz on the Celeron N3060 versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-2350M — a 7.5% clock advantage for the Celeron N3060 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Celeron N3060 uses the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2350M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N3060 scores 1,267 against the Core i3-2350M's 1,276 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-2350M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron N3060 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2350M.

Feature	Celeron N3060	Core i3-2350M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.48 GHz+8%	2.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.3 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Braswell (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,267	1,276
Geekbench 6 Single	—	390
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	806

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N3060 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2350M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Celeron N3060 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2350M — the Celeron N3060 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2350M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Celeron N3060) vs 16 (Core i3-2350M) — the Core i3-2350M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FCBGA1170 (Celeron N3060) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i3-2350M).

Feature	Celeron N3060	Core i3-2350M
Socket	FCBGA1170	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Celeron N3060) vs VT-x (Core i3-2350M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 400 (Celeron N3060) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2350M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2350M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron N3060 rivals AMD E2-9010.