Celeron B720
CPU·Budget

Celeron B720

Intel

PassMark

665

MSRP

$70

AVG Price

$10

1 January 2012 (13 years ago)
35 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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 Celeron B720 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 665 points. Launch price was $70.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron B720 is positioned at rank #1091 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 B720

#1078
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
3088%
#1079
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
3043%
#1080
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2794%
#1081
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2781%
#1082
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2756%
#1084
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2661%
#1085
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
2552%
#1086
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
2547%
#1087
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
2479%
#1091
Celeron B720
MSRP: $70|Avg: $10
100%
#1092
Celeron 847
MSRP: $134|Avg: $15
100%
#1093
Core i7-2630QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
99%
#1095
Core i7-2635QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
99%
#1096
Celeron 877
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
99%
#1097
Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
MSRP: $134|Avg: $50
98%
#1098
Core i5-3337U
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
98%
#1099
Core i5-2450M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
97%
#1100
Core i5-7Y54
MSRP: $281|Avg: $100
97%
#1101
Core i5-7Y57
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
97%
#1103
Pentium 997
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
95%
#1104
Pentium A1018
MSRP: $132|Avg: $15
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron B720 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron B720 is a 1-core / 1-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.7 GHz from a base frequency of 1.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 1.5 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 665, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCeleron B720
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units1C / 1T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores1.5 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score665
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron B720 fits into the G2 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron B720
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket requiredG2
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM65,HM67,QM67,QM77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron B720 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 967.

SpecificationCeleron B720
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPentium 967
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron B720 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 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.

SpecificationCeleron B720
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $70), the Celeron B720 delivers 67 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1091 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3167 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron B720
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$70
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$70
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1091
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3167
Release DateLaunch date1 January 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron B720

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Celeron B720

See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives

Compare with other CPUs