Labs

To see the results table, click here.

To see the benchmarks, click here.

Intel has been using the Celeron brand on budget products for years, but this doesn't mean all the processors that use it are technically

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similar. This latest incarnation of the Celeron, the E1200, is based on the same Allendale core as the Pentium Dual Core and Core 2 Duo 4000 series.

Like those more expensive processors, the E1200 uses an 800MHz quad-pumped external bus. An x8 multiplier gives a respectable clock speed of 1.6GHz, which is the same as that of the Pentium Dual Core E2140. However, the E1200 has only half the L2 cache of the E2140. This means both cores share a tiny 512KB cache between them. Our tests showed that the small cache made the E1200 only a little slower than the otherwise identical E2140.

The E1200 is the cheapest processor on test at just £36 including VAT. If you're looking to upgrade an LGA775-equipped PC, or want to build a budget PC with an eye to upgrading later, the E1200 is a good choice. However, both AMD's Athlon 64 X2 4200+ and the Pentium Dual Core E2160 are better deals, as they're a lot quicker and cost only a little more.