Celeron N4000 vs Phenom X4 9450e

Intel

Celeron N4000

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9450e

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron N4000 vs Phenom X4 9450e 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 N4000 vs Phenom X4 9450e 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 N4000 vs Phenom X4 9450e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N4000

2017

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Costs $343 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
  • Delivers 325.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.8 vs 3.2 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
  • Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Phenom X4 9450e

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,455 vs 1,472).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.2 vs 13.8 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
    • 983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Celeron N4000 better than Phenom X4 9450e?
    Yes. Celeron N4000 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Celeron N4000 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 N4000 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Celeron N4000 is the better buy right now. Celeron N4000 comes in $343 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 325.5% better value on MSRP (13.8 vs 3.2 PassMark/$), 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 N4000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2008), 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Celeron N4000 vs Phenom X4 9450e Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron N4000

    The Celeron N4000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2017 (7 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,472 points. Launch price was $107.

    AMD

    Phenom X4 9450e

    The Phenom X4 9450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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: 1,455 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron N4000 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9450e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9450e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4000 versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X4 9450e — a 21.3% clock advantage for the Celeron N4000. The Celeron N4000 uses the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom X4 9450e uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4000 scores 1,472 against the Phenom X4 9450e's 1,455 — a 1.2% lead for the Celeron N4000. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4000 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9450e.

    FeatureCeleron N4000Phenom X4 9450e
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.6 GHz+24%
    2.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    4 MB+100%
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    4 MB+700%
    512 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm-78%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Goldmont Plus (2017)
    Agena (2007−2008)
    PassMark
    1,472+1%
    1,455
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron N4000 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9450e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron N4000Phenom X4 9450e
    Socket
    FCBGA1090
    AM2+
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    PCIe 2.0
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron N4000 was priced at $107, while the Phenom X4 9450e came in at $450. On launch pricing ($107 vs $450), Celeron N4000 was $343 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron N4000 delivers 13.8 pts/$ vs 3.2 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9450e — making the Celeron N4000 the 123.9% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron N4000Phenom X4 9450e
    MSRP
    $107-76%
    $450
    Performance per Dollar
    13.8+331%
    3.2
    Release Date
    2017
    2008

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