Celeron E3500
Intel
PassMark
1,290
MSRP
$62
AVG Price
$10
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 E3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,290 points. Launch price was $62.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Celeron E3500
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Celeron E3500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Among Us
ARC Raiders
Call of Duty: Warzone
Counter-Strike 2
Delta Force
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Rainbow Six Siege
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Celeron E3500 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Celeron E3500 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 2.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (total) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,290, 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 347, while multi-core reaches 624.
| Specification | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.7 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 45 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 0 kB |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1 MB (total) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 82 mm2 |
| Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities | 228 million |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 74 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| Core Voltage Range | 0.85V-1.3625V |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,290 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 347 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 624 |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron E3500 fits into the LGA775 socket and supports PCIe 1.1 with 0 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).
| Specification | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA775 |
| 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, DDR3 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 8 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | No |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | G31,G41,P45 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Celeron E3500 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 E5200.
| Specification | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|
| 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 E5200 |
Power & Cooling
The Celeron E3500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 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 E3500 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 74 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Stock |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $62), the Celeron E3500 delivers 129 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3102 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $62 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $10 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $62 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #3102 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 29 August 2010 (15 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
7 specs
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $62 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 29 August 2010 (15 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 3102 |
Technical Specifications
14 specs
Technical Specifications
14 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Die Size | 82 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (total) |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB |
| Max Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 228 million |
| Process Technology | 45 nm |
| Allowed Core Voltage | 0.85V-1.3625V |
| Max Core Temperature | 74 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 65 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
1 spec
Memory
1 spec
| RAM Types | DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Celeron E3500
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Celeron E3500 with other popular CPUs
Compare Celeron E3500
See how this CPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
