Celeron N3450 vs Core i5-580M

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 N3450 vs Core i5-580M 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 N3450 vs Core i5-580M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N3450

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,981 vs 1,983).

Core i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-580M better than Celeron N3450?

Yes. Core i5-580M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% 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, Core i5-580M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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, Core i5-580M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-580M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-580M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron N3450 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N3450 vs Core i5-580M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N3450

The Celeron N3450 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 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,981 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i5-580M

The Core i5-580M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N3450 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-580M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N3450 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Celeron N3450 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M — a 40.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-580M (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Celeron N3450 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-580M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N3450 scores 1,981 against the Core i5-580M's 1,983 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-580M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron N3450 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M.

Feature	Celeron N3450	Core i5-580M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.33 GHz+51%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.66 GHz+142%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,981	1,983
Geekbench 6 Single	—	445

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N3450 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-580M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2400 on the Celeron N3450 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-580M — the Celeron N3450 supports 125.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 6 (Celeron N3450) vs 16 (Core i5-580M) — the Core i5-580M offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FCBGA1296 (Celeron N3450) and HM55,PM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-580M).

Feature	Celeron N3450	Core i5-580M
Socket	FCBGA1296	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	2400+125%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
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: true (Celeron N3450) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 500 (Celeron N3450) and HD Graphics (Core i5-580M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron N3450 rivals AMD A4-9120; Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660.