Core i3-3217U vs Celeron E3400
Core i3-3217U
Celeron E3400
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 Core i3-3217U is positioned at rank 684 and the Celeron E3400 is on rank 727, so the Core i3-3217U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3217U
Performance Per Dollar Celeron E3400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3217U | Celeron E3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3217U | Celeron E3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) |
Performance Check
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 Core i3-3217U and Celeron E3400
Core i3-3217U
The Core i3-3217U 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 1.8 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: 1,226 points. Launch price was $225.
Celeron E3400
The Celeron E3400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,220 points. Launch price was $76.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3217U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron E3400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Core i3-3217U versus 2.6 GHz on the Celeron E3400 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Celeron E3400 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-3217U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Celeron E3400 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3217U scores 1,226 against the Celeron E3400's 1,220 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-3217U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3217U vs 0 kB on the Celeron E3400.
| Feature | Core i3-3217U | Celeron E3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.6 GHz+44% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.6 GHz+44% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (total)+300% |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,226 | 1,220 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 347 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 624 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3217U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron E3400 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i3-3217U versus 1066 on the Celeron E3400 — the Core i3-3217U supports 40.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3217U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3217U) vs 0 (Celeron E3400) — the Core i3-3217U offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3217U) and G31,G41,P35,P45 (Celeron E3400).
| Feature | Core i3-3217U | Celeron E3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+50% | 1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32+300% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. The Core i3-3217U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Celeron E3400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron E3400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-3217U rivals AMD A6-4455M; Celeron E3400 rivals Pentium E5200.
| Feature | Core i3-3217U | Celeron E3400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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