Core i5-450M vs Celeron N3060
Core i5-450M
Celeron N3060
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 N3060 is on rank 173, 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 N3060
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Celeron N3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($31) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($107) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Braswell (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Celeron N3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+244%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($31) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($107) |
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 N3060
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 N3060
The Celeron N3060 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $107.
Processing Power
The Core i5-450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron N3060's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M versus 2.48 GHz on the Celeron N3060 — a 7% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i5-450M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron N3060 uses Braswell (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-450M scores 1,264 against the Celeron N3060's 1,267 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron N3060. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M vs 0 kB on the Celeron N3060.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron N3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.66 GHz+7% | 2.48 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+50% | 1.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Braswell (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 1,264 | 1,267 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron N3060 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i5-450M versus 1600 on the Celeron N3060 — the Celeron N3060 supports 40.1% 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 4 (Celeron N3060) — the Core i5-450M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-450M) and FCBGA1170 (Celeron N3060).
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron N3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FCBGA1170 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066 | 1600+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+300% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i5-450M) and Intel HD Graphics 400 (Celeron N3060) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620; Celeron N3060 rivals AMD E2-9010.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron N3060 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Intel HD Graphics 400 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-450M launched at $32 MSRP, while the Celeron N3060 debuted at $107.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Celeron N3060 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32-70% | $107 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $31 | — |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2016 |
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