Celeron N3060
VS
Core i5-450M

Celeron N3060 vs Core i5-450M

Intel

Celeron N3060

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.48 GHz2016
VS
Intel

Core i5-450M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.66 GHz2010

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Celeron N3060 is positioned at rank 173 and the Core i5-450M is on rank 10, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Celeron N3060

#49
Core i9-12900HX
MSRP: $606|Avg: N/A
98%
#161
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
347%
#162
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
342%
#163
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
314%
#164
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
313%
#165
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
310%
#167
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
299%
#168
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
287%
#169
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
286%
#170
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
279%
#173
Celeron N3060
MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A
100%
#176
Core 2 Duo T9300
MSRP: $316|Avg: $20
99%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M

#4
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
116%
#5
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
114%
#6
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
105%
#7
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
105%
#8
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
104%
#10
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
100%
#11
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
96%
#12
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
96%
#13
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
93%
#17
Core i3-350M
MSRP: $130|Avg: $10
86%
#18
Atom x5-E8000
MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A
85%
#19
Core 2 Duo T5900
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5
84%
#22
Core i3-3130M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
75%
#23
Core 2 Duo T5550
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $5
72%
#24
Core 2 Duo T7100
MSRP: $197|Avg: $15
72%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Celeron N3060 (2016) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCeleron N3060Core i5-450M
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($107)
More affordable ($31)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Braswell (2015−2016) / 14 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-450M (2010) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCeleron N3060Core i5-450M
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+244%)
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($107)
More affordable ($31)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Celeron N3060 and Core i5-450M

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i5-450M

The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 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: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.

Processing Power

The Celeron N3060 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-450M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.48 GHz on the Celeron N3060 versus 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M — a 7% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Celeron N3060 uses the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-450M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N3060 scores 1,267 against the Core i5-450M's 1,264 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron N3060. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron N3060 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M.

FeatureCeleron N3060Core i5-450M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.48 GHz
2.66 GHz+7%
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
2.4 GHz+50%
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB+300%
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Braswell (2015−2016)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,267
1,264
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron N3060 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Celeron N3060 versus 1066 on the Core i5-450M — the Celeron N3060 supports 40.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Celeron N3060) vs 16 (Core i5-450M) — the Core i5-450M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FCBGA1170 (Celeron N3060) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M).

FeatureCeleron N3060Core i5-450M
Socket
FCBGA1170
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1600+50%
1066
Max RAM Capacity
8
8
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
4
16+300%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 400 (Celeron N3060) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-450M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Celeron N3060 rivals AMD E2-9010; Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

FeatureCeleron N3060Core i5-450M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 400
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
true
💰

Value Analysis

The Celeron N3060 launched at $107 MSRP, while the Core i5-450M debuted at $32.

FeatureCeleron N3060Core i5-450M
MSRP
$107
$32-70%
Avg Price (30d)
$31
Release Date
2016
2010