A8-3870K vs Celeron G3950

CPU

GPU

A8-3870K

4 Cores4 Thrd100 WWMax: 3 GHz2011

Similar parts

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Celeron G3950

2 Cores2 Thrd51 WWMax: 3 GHz2017

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A8-3870K vs Celeron G3950 Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Celeron G3950

2 / 2

2,336

0.0%

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.

A8-3870K vs Celeron G3950 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.

A8-3870K vs Celeron G3950: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron G3950.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (380 vs 750).
❌96.1% higher power demand at 100W vs 51W.

Celeron G3950

2017

Why buy it

✅+97.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 51W instead of 100W, a 49W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,336 vs 2,360).
❌Launch MSRP is still $52 MSRP, while A8-3870K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3950 better than A8-3870K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3950 is ahead with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Celeron G3950 is the better buy right now. Celeron G3950 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $52 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that A8-3870K is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (44.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Celeron G3950 Technical Specifications

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

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

Celeron G3950

The Celeron G3950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 points. Launch price was $52.

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Processing Power

The A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron G3950 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron G3950 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Celeron G3950's 2,336 — a 1% lead for the A8-3870K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 380 vs 750, a 65.5% lead for the Celeron G3950 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950.

Feature	A8-3870K	Celeron G3950
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	3 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,360+1%	2,336
Geekbench 6 Single	380	750+97%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,100

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3950 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K versus DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3950 — the Celeron G3950 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3950 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. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3870K) vs 16 (Celeron G3950) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3870K) and H110,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3950).

Feature	A8-3870K	Celeron G3950
Socket	FM1	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866	DDR4-2400+29%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3870K) vs VT-x (Celeron G3950). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) and HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3950) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop, Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125; Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.