Celeron G550
CPU·Budget

Celeron G550

Intel

PassMark

1,275

MSRP

$52

AVG Price

$15

1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
65 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 G550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,275 points. Launch price was $80.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron G550 is positioned at rank #698 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 G550

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
12713%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
12012%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
8722%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
2628%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
2081%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
1821%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
1043%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
1029%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
937%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
937%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
927%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
902%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
889%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
885%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
877%
#391
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300
97%
#698
Celeron G550
MSRP: $52|Avg: $15
100%
#700
Core i3-4370T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $138
99%
#701
FX-6200
MSRP: $169|Avg: $25
99%
#702
FX-4150
MSRP: $137|Avg: $20
99%
#703
Core i5-2450P
MSRP: $177|Avg: $30
98%
#704
Core i5-4690T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $98
98%
#705
Core i5-4430S
MSRP: $182|Avg: $90
98%
#706
Core i5-4440S
MSRP: $182|Avg: $30
98%
#709
Core i3-4360T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $40
97%
#711
Core i5-3470S
MSRP: $184|Avg: $37
97%
#712
Core i5-4670T
MSRP: $189|Avg: $35
97%
#713
Core i5-2400S
MSRP: $135|Avg: $10
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron G550 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron G550 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 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 1,275, 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 379, while multi-core reaches 663.

SpecificationCeleron G550
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores2 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 frequency5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)69 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,275
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming379
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance663
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G550 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 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 G550
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
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 frequencyDDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 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 CPUH61,B65,H67,Z68
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron G550 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 G630.

SpecificationCeleron G550
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 G630
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron G550 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.

SpecificationCeleron G550
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)69 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $15 (MSRP: $52), the Celeron G550 delivers 85 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #698 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2905 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron G550
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$52
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$15
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$80
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#698
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2905
Release DateLaunch date1 June 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron G550

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