A8-3800 vs Celeron G3900E

AMD

A8-3800

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Celeron G3900E

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2016
Similar parts
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A8-3800 vs Celeron G3900E Performance Spectrum

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.

A8-3800 vs Celeron G3900E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-3800 vs Celeron G3900E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-3800

2011

Why buy it

  • +42.4% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Celeron G3900E.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (370 vs 699).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.8 vs 19.0 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Celeron G3900E

2016

Why buy it

  • +88.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $23 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
  • Delivers 20.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.0 vs 15.8 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (948 vs 1,350).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3800.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3900E better than A8-3800?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3900E is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A8-3800 pulls ahead with 42.4% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3800 is the stronger fit. You are getting 42.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G3900E is the better buy right now. Celeron G3900E comes in $23 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that A8-3800 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 42.4% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 20.5% better value on MSRP (19.0 vs 15.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron G3900E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3800 vs Celeron G3900E Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

A8-3800

The A8-3800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,051 points. Launch price was $90.

Intel

Celeron G3900E

The Celeron G3900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,034 points. Launch price was $107.

Processing Power

The A8-3800 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron G3900E offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3800 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the A8-3800 versus 2.4 GHz on the Celeron G3900E — a 11.8% clock advantage for the A8-3800. The A8-3800 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron G3900E uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3800 scores 2,051 against the Celeron G3900E's 2,034 — a 0.8% lead for the A8-3800. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 370 vs 699, a 61.6% lead for the Celeron G3900E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,350 vs 948 (35% advantage for the A8-3800). L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3800 vs 2 MB on the Celeron G3900E.

FeatureA8-3800Celeron G3900E
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+13%
2.4 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)+100%
512 kB
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
2,051
2,034
Geekbench 6 Single
370
699+89%
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,350+42%
948
🧠

Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3800 versus DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900E — the Celeron G3900E supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3800) and H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3900E).

FeatureA8-3800Celeron G3900E
Socket
FM1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1866
DDR4-2133+14%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
64 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3800) vs VT-x (Celeron G3900E). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3800) and HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3800 targets Budget Desktop, Celeron G3900E targets Budget. Direct competitor: A8-3800 rivals Core i3-2100; Celeron G3900E rivals Pentium G4400.

FeatureA8-3800Celeron G3900E
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6550D
HD Graphics 510
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x
Target Use
Budget Desktop
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A8-3800 was priced at $130, while the Celeron G3900E came in at $107. On launch pricing ($130 vs $107), Celeron G3900E was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A8-3800 delivers 15.8 pts/$ vs 19.0 pts/$ for the Celeron G3900E — making the Celeron G3900E the 18.6% better value option.

FeatureA8-3800Celeron G3900E
MSRP
$130
$107-18%
Performance per Dollar
15.8
19.0+20%
Release Date
2011
2016

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