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. The Celeron E3500 is positioned at rank #778 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 E3500

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

14979%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

14154%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

10277%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3096%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2452%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2145%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1229%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1213%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1104%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1104%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1092%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1062%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1047%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1043%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1034%

#393

Core i3-9300T

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

98%

#778

Celeron E3500

MSRP: $62|Avg: $10

100%

#779

Pentium G2030

MSRP: $85|Avg: $85

100%

#780

Athlon II X2 260

MSRP: $60|Avg: $12

100%

#781

Athlon II X3 445

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

100%

#783

Core i5-2310

MSRP: $177|Avg: $12

99%

#784

Core i5-5675C

MSRP: $276|Avg: $66

99%

#785

Core i5-2380P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $25

99%

#786

Core i5-4690

MSRP: $272|Avg: $120

99%

#787

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

98%

#788

Core i7-6700TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $175

98%

#789

Athlon II X4 620

MSRP: $99|Avg: $15

98%

#791

Core i7-3820

MSRP: $286|Avg: $30

97%

#792

Athlon II X3 425

MSRP: $79|Avg: $5

97%

#793

Athlon II X2 255

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron E3500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

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. It currently holds Rank #778 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#778
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