
Core i5-450M vs Celeron Dual-Core T3500

Core i5-450M

Celeron Dual-Core T3500
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 i5-450M is positioned at rank 10 and the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 is on rank 959, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Per Dollar Celeron Dual-Core T3500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Celeron Dual-Core T3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($31) | ✅ More affordable ($15) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Celeron Dual-Core T3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+108%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($31) | ✅ More affordable ($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 i5-450M and Celeron Dual-Core T3500

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.

Celeron Dual-Core T3500
The Celeron Dual-Core T3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: P. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,275 points. Launch price was $80.
Processing Power
The Core i5-450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron Dual-Core T3500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M versus 2.1 GHz on the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M. The Core i5-450M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-450M scores 1,264 against the Celeron Dual-Core T3500's 1,275 — a 0.9% lead for the Celeron Dual-Core T3500.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron Dual-Core T3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.66 GHz+27% | 2.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,264 | 1,275 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 uses P (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-450M versus 800 on the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 — the Core i5-450M supports 28.5% 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: 16 (Core i5-450M) vs 0 (Celeron Dual-Core T3500) — the Core i5-450M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M) and GL40,GM45,GM47 (Celeron Dual-Core T3500).
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron Dual-Core T3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | P |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+33% | 800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-450M) vs false (Celeron Dual-Core T3500). The Core i5-450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron Dual-Core T3500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620; Celeron Dual-Core T3500 rivals Pentium T4400.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron Dual-Core T3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | false |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-450M launched at $32 MSRP, while the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 debuted at $80. At current prices ($31 vs $15), the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 is $16 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-450M delivers 40.8 pts/$ vs 85.0 pts/$ for the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 — making the Celeron Dual-Core T3500 the 70.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron Dual-Core T3500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32-60% | $80 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $31 | $15-52% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.8 | 85.0+108% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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