Intel Celeron E3300

The Intel Celeron E3300 is a dual-core desktop processor from Intel's Core 2 architecture, codenamed Wolfdale. It operates at a fixed 2.50 GHz base clock with no boost capability, and it is built on a 45nm process with 228 million transistors. The database records no benchmark scores for this part, but it holds a 50th percentile position among all CPUs, and its average benchmark score is listed as 0. This analysis examines its specifications, platform compatibility, and likely workload behavior based on the available data.

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK includes an empty benchmarks array, meaning no measured performance scores are available for the Celeron E3300. The average benchmark score field is 0, which aligns with the absence of data. However, the percentile field places this processor at the 50th percentile relative to all CPUs in the database. This suggests that, in the absence of direct scores, the E3300 is positioned in the middle of the performance distribution. Without benchmark data, we cannot quantify its performance against specific rivals, but the percentile offers a rough midpoint placement.

The base clock of 2.50 GHz is fixed, as the boost clock field is null. This means the processor cannot dynamically increase its frequency under load, so its performance ceiling is defined entirely by that 2.50 GHz figure. With two cores and two threads, the E3300 can handle two concurrent threads, but no more. The 1 MB shared L2 cache is modest by any standard, and the 64 KB per-core L1 cache is typical for the architecture. These cache sizes directly affect how quickly the CPU can access frequently used data, and a smaller cache often translates to lower performance in cache-sensitive workloads.

The 45nm process and die size of 82 mm² are consistent with a dual-core design of this era, but they do not directly translate to a performance number. The transistor count of 228 million gives a sense of the chip's complexity, yet without benchmark scores, we cannot infer how that complexity translates to real-world speed. The data simply does not include any measured results, leaving the 50th percentile as the only quantitative performance indicator.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is 65W, which places the E3300 in a mainstream desktop power envelope. For cooling, a basic air cooler designed for such a TDP would suffice, though the FACT PACK does not specify cooler requirements. The 45nm process helps reduce power consumption compared to older, larger nodes, but the 65W figure is the key thermal design point. The die size of 82 mm² and transistor count of 228 million are consistent with a dual-core chip of this generation.

Because there is no boost clock, power draw is relatively constant under load; the processor does not spike to higher frequencies. The lack of integrated graphics on the CPU itself means the motherboard's chipset handles display output, which adds to system-level power but is not part of the CPU's TDP. Memory support spans DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3, each with different voltage and power characteristics, but the E3300's own TDP remains 65W regardless of memory type. The 65W rating is a moderate figure, implying that a stock cooler with a small heatsink and fan should be adequate for most users.

Who Should Consider It

Given its dual-core design and 2.50 GHz clock, the E3300 is best suited for workloads that are not heavily threaded. Single-threaded applications, such as web browsing, document editing, and lightweight productivity tasks, are within its reach. The absence of hyper-threading means only two threads can run concurrently, so multi-threaded applications—like video encoding, 3D rendering, or modern games—will not benefit from additional logical cores. The 1 MB shared L2 cache may hinder performance in applications with large working sets, such as photo editing with big files.

The integrated graphics are not built into the CPU; they appear only on certain motherboards as a chipset feature. This means a discrete GPU or a motherboard with an integrated chipset GPU is required for display output. Consequently, the E3300 is not intended for gaming or content creation, which typically demand more cores, higher clock speeds, and dedicated graphics. Its end-of-life status further suggests it is not for new builds; rather, it may appeal to users upgrading an older Socket 775 system with a modest dual-core replacement.

Platform and Compatibility

The E3300 uses the Intel Socket 775 interface, an older platform that is now end-of-life. This limits upgrade paths to other LGA775 processors, but the FACT PACK does not list any compatible alternatives. The processor supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, which is unusual for a single CPU. This broad memory support allows for flexibility in motherboard choice, though not all memory types can be used simultaneously—the motherboard determines which type is active.

The memory bus is dual-channel, but the memory bandwidth value is not specified, so we cannot quantify throughput. PCIe Gen 2 support is available, which is sufficient for most add-in cards of that period. ECC memory is not supported, indicating this is not intended for server or mission-critical applications. The processor's part number is SLGU4, and it was released on August 29, 2009. The production status is end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured, and availability is limited to used or remaining stock.

How It Compares

The database lists no nearest rivals for the Celeron E3300, so a direct comparison with specific models is not possible from the provided data. However, the 50th percentile ranking suggests it sits in the middle of the performance spectrum among all CPUs in the database. Without benchmark scores, we cannot quantify how it compares to other dual-core processors, nor can we identify any particular strengths or weaknesses relative to named competitors. The only quantitative comparison point is the percentile, which is a relative measure across all CPUs.

This absence of comparison data limits the analysis, but it also highlights that the E3300 may not have been extensively benchmarked. Given its dual-core design and 2.50 GHz clock, it likely falls behind more modern processors in raw performance, but that is an inference based on the specs, not a fact from the pack. The empty nearestRivals array means we cannot cite any delta percentages or relative scores, so the discussion must remain qualitative. The 50th percentile is the only anchor, and it places the E3300 exactly at the median of the database's CPU population.

FAQ

Q: What is the base clock speed of the Intel Celeron E3300?

A: The base clock is 2.50 GHz, and there is no boost clock, so the processor runs at a fixed frequency.

Q: How many cores and threads does it have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning it can execute two concurrent threads.

Q: What is the TDP?

A: The TDP is 65W.

Q: What memory types does it support?

A: It supports DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Does it have integrated graphics?

A: Integrated graphics are available on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, not on the CPU itself.

Q: What is the production status?

A: It is end-of-life, and it was released on August 29, 2009.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The E3300 has two cores and two threads, so it can execute two threads simultaneously. With no boost clock, the processor runs at a constant 2.50 GHz regardless of load. This makes single-thread performance directly proportional to that clock speed, but the 1 MB shared L2 cache may introduce latency for data-heavy tasks. Multi-threaded performance is limited by the absence of hyper-threading; only two threads can run concurrently. The Core 2 architecture is known for efficient instruction execution, but the small cache size could be a bottleneck in workloads that repeatedly access large datasets.

In single-threaded scenarios, the E3300's performance is determined by its 2.50 GHz clock and the architectural efficiency of the Core 2 design. The 64 KB per-core L1 cache helps with frequently used data, while the 1 MB L2 is shared between cores, which can lead to contention when both cores are active. In multi-threaded workloads, scaling is limited to two cores, which is sufficient for light multitasking—such as running a browser alongside a word processor—but not for demanding parallel applications like video rendering or scientific computing. The lack of a boost clock means no temporary frequency increases, so sustained performance is consistent and predictable. The 45nm process helps keep power consumption reasonable, but the 65W TDP indicates a moderate thermal output. Overall, the E3300 is best suited for single-threaded or lightly threaded tasks, where its fixed 2.50 GHz clock can deliver steady, if unspectacular, performance.