Celeron N6211 vs Core i5-3427U

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 N6211 vs Core i5-3427U 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 N6211 vs Core i5-3427U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N6211

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 511W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,245 vs 2,252).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3427U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-3427U

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Celeron N6211 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌34033.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 1.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N6211 better than Core i5-3427U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron N6211 is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3427U pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3427U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Celeron N6211 still makes the most sense overall. Celeron N6211 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron N6211 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N6211 vs Core i5-3427U Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N6211

The Celeron N6211 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 July 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Elkhart Lake (2022) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1493. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,245 points. Launch price was $54.

Core i5-3427U

The Core i5-3427U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,252 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N6211 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3427U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron N6211 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-3427U — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Celeron N6211 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Celeron N6211 uses the Elkhart Lake (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-3427U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N6211 scores 2,245 against the Core i5-3427U's 2,252 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-3427U.

Feature	Celeron N6211	Core i5-3427U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	1.8 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.5 MB	256K (per core)+16967%
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Elkhart Lake (2022)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,245	2,252

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N6211 uses the BGA1493 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-3427U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N6211	Core i5-3427U
Socket	BGA1493	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N6211) / true (Core i5-3427U). The Core i5-3427U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Celeron N6211 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3427U rivals AMD A8-4555M.