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Overview

The Celeron 3205U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,025 points. Launch price was $107.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron 3205U is positioned at rank #279 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 3205U

#82

Core i7-11700B

MSRP: $323|Avg: $311

98%

#83

Core i7-13700HX

MSRP: $485|Avg: N/A

97%

#266

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

429%

#267

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

423%

#268

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

388%

#269

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

387%

#270

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

383%

#272

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

370%

#273

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

355%

#274

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

354%

#275

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

345%

#279

Celeron 3205U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron 3205U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron 3205U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Celeron 3205U is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.5 GHz from a base frequency of 1.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,025, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 287, while multi-core reaches 483.

Specification	Celeron 3205U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Broadwell-U (2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	82 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1300 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,025
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	287
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	483

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 3205U fits into the FCBGA1168 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics (Broadwell) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Celeron 3205U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1168
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics (Broadwell)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Wildcat Point-LP
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron 3205U is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium 2117U.

Specification	Celeron 3205U
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	VT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium 2117U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron 3205U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 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 3205U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	105 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #279 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3089 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Celeron 3205U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$107
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#279
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3089
Release DateLaunch date	1 March 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel