C-30
CPU·Budget

C-30

AMD

PassMark

201

MSRP

$50

AVG Price

$15

4 January 2011 (14 years ago)
512 kB
Ontario (2011−2012)

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.

Overview

The C-30 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 512 kB. Memory support: DDR3 Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 201 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The C-30 is positioned at rank #1226 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar C-30

#1214
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
7299%
#1215
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
7192%
#1216
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
6602%
#1217
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
6572%
#1218
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
6512%
#1220
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
6289%
#1221
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
6030%
#1222
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
6020%
#1223
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
5858%
#1226
C-30
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
100%
#1228
Core i7-620UM
MSRP: $278|Avg: N/A
98%
#1230
Celeron 570
MSRP: $134|Avg: $15
94%
#1231
Core i7-820QM
MSRP: $546|Avg: N/A
83%
#1233
Core Duo T2700
MSRP: $663|Avg: N/A
70%
#1235
Pentium SU4100
MSRP: $289|Avg: $15
59%
#1236
Core Solo T1400
MSRP: $200|Avg: $5
53%
#1237
Core i7-940XM
MSRP: $1096|Avg: N/A
51%
#1238
Core Solo T1350
MSRP: $200|Avg: $70
50%
#1240
Core Solo T1300
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
46%
#1241
Core Solo T1200
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
42%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of C-30 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The C-30 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Ontario (2011−2012) architecture, manufactured on a 40 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 64 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 201, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationC-30
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designOntario (2011−2012)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient40 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor75 mm2
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score201
🧠

Memory & Platform

The C-30 fits into the FT1 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 4 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 Single-channel memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 1 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Radeon HD 6250 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationC-30
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyAMD C-Series
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFT1
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion4
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3 Single-channel
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorRadeon HD 6250
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUAMD BGA413
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The C-30 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 512 kB — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationC-30
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload512 kB
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $50), the C-30 delivers 13 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1226 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3654 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationC-30
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$50
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1226
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3654
Release DateLaunch date4 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)AMD

Our Recommendation for C-30

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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