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 Celeron 2.60 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Northwood (2002−2004) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 128 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2. Passmark benchmark score: 385 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron 2.60 is positioned at rank #1045 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 Celeron 2.60

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

42936%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

40570%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

29457%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

8874%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

7029%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

6149%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

3522%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

3476%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

3165%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

3165%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

3129%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

3045%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

3002%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2990%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2963%

#1045

Celeron 2.60

MSRP: $53|Avg: $10

100%

#1046

Core i7-990X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $225

98%

#1047

Phenom X4 9750B

MSRP: $215|Avg: $34

97%

#1048

Core 2 Duo E8200

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

97%

#1049

Core 2 Quad Q9450

MSRP: $316|Avg: $15

96%

#1050

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

95%

#1051

Core 2 Duo E6320

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

94%

#1052

Core i7-980X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $150

94%

#1053

Athlon 64 X2 3600+

MSRP: $150|Avg: $10

94%

#1054

Core 2 Duo E6420

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

93%

#1055

Pentium D 940

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

91%

#1056

Phenom X4 9600B

MSRP: $278|Avg: $20

91%

#1057

Phenom II X3 B77

MSRP: $281|Avg: $35

90%

#1058

Core 2 Duo E6300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $5

89%

#1059

Core 2 Duo E6400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $10

88%

#1060

Core 2 Duo E8300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron 2.60 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron 2.60 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Celeron 2.60 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Northwood (2002−2004) architecture, manufactured on a 130 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 128 kB of L2 cache and 8 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 385, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Celeron 2.60
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Northwood (2002−2004)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	130 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	128 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	8 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	146 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	55 million
64-bit Support	No
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	385

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 2.60 fits into the PGA478 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2 memory at speeds up to DDR2-400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 4 GB across 1 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Celeron 2.60
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA478
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 1.1
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR1, DDR2
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR2-400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	4 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	1
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	845,865,915
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron 2.60 is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: No — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium 4 2.40.

Specification	Celeron 2.60
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	No
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium 4 2.40

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron 2.60 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 73 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Celeron 2.60
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	73 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $53), the Celeron 2.60 delivers 39 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1045 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3672 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Celeron 2.60
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$53
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1045
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3672
Release DateLaunch date	2007-01-01
Release Year	2003
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel