Celeron 2957U vs Pentium G2140

Intel

Celeron 2957U

2 Cores2 Thrd512 WWMax: 1.4 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G2140

2 Cores2 Thrd55 WW2013
Similar parts
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Celeron 2957U vs Pentium G2140 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.

Celeron 2957U vs Pentium G2140 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.

Celeron 2957U vs Pentium G2140: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 2957U

2014

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (284 vs 550).
    • Lower PassMark (2,077 vs 2,092).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
    • 830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G2140.

    Pentium G2140

    2013

    Why buy it

    • +93.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
    • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
    • Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.
    • 60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
    • Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Celeron 2957U.

    Trade-offs

    • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Celeron 2957U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Pentium G2140 better than Celeron 2957U?
    Yes. Pentium G2140 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Pentium G2140 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G2140 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Pentium G2140 is the better buy right now. Pentium G2140 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2957U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Celeron 2957U vs Pentium G2140 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron 2957U

    The Celeron 2957U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,077 points. Launch price was $107.

    Intel

    Pentium G2140

    The Pentium G2140 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    Both the Celeron 2957U and Pentium G2140 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Celeron 2957U is built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron 2957U scores 2,077 against the Pentium G2140's 2,092 — a 0.7% lead for the Pentium G2140. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 284 vs 550, a 63.8% lead for the Pentium G2140 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron 2957U vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2140.

    FeatureCeleron 2957UPentium G2140
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    1.4 GHz
    Base Clock
    1.4 GHz
    3.3 GHz+136%
    L3 Cache
    2 MB
    3 MB Intel® Smart Cache+50%
    L2 Cache
    512 kB
    Process
    22 nm
    22 nm
    Architecture
    Haswell (2013−2015)
    PassMark
    2,077
    2,092
    Geekbench 6 Single
    284
    550+94%
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    920
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron 2957U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G2140 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Pentium G2140 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 10 (Celeron 2957U) vs 16 (Pentium G2140) — the Pentium G2140 offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Wildcat Point-LP (Celeron 2957U) and H61,B75 (Pentium G2140).

    FeatureCeleron 2957UPentium G2140
    Socket
    FCBGA1168
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3L-1600
    DDR3-1600
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    32 GB+100%
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    10
    16+60%
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics (Haswell) (Celeron 2957U) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G2140) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 2957U targets Budget, Pentium G2140 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron 2957U rivals Pentium 2117U.

    FeatureCeleron 2957UPentium G2140
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD Graphics (Haswell)
    Intel HD Graphics
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Budget
    Legacy Desktop