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 2981U vs Celeron G440 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 2981U vs Celeron G440: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 2981U

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($137 MSRP vs $37 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Celeron G440

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $100 less on MSRP ($37 MSRP vs $137 MSRP).
✅Delivers 269.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 28.0 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($37 MSRP vs $137 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,035 vs 1,036).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 2 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron 2981U better than Celeron G440?

Yes. Celeron 2981U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron 2981U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Celeron 2981U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Celeron 2981U comes in 270.3% more expensive on MSRP at $137 MSRP versus $37 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G440 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 269.9% better value on paper (28.0 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron 2981U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011), 100% larger total L3 cache (2 MB vs 1 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron 2981U vs Celeron G440 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 2981U

The Celeron 2981U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 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: 1,036 points. Launch price was $69.

Celeron G440

The Celeron G440 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB. L2 cache: 256 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,035 points. Launch price was $45.

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Processing Power

The Celeron 2981U packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Celeron G440 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Celeron 2981U has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Celeron 2981U versus 1.6 GHz on the Celeron G440 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Celeron 2981U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Celeron G440 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 2981U scores 1,036 against the Celeron G440's 1,035 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron 2981U. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron 2981U vs 1 MB on the Celeron G440.

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Celeron G440
Cores / Threads	2 / 2+100%	1 / 1
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB+100%	1 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,036	1,035
Geekbench 6 Single	—	300

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 2981U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron G440 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Celeron 2981U versus DDR3-1066 on the Celeron G440 — the Celeron 2981U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G440 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: 12 (Celeron 2981U) vs 16 (Celeron G440) — the Celeron G440 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Wildcat Point-LP (Celeron 2981U) and H61,B65,H67,Z68 (Celeron G440).

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Celeron G440
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Haswell) (Celeron 2981U) and HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G440) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 2981U targets Budget, Celeron G440 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 2981U rivals Pentium 2117U; Celeron G440 rivals Pentium G630.

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Celeron G440
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Haswell)	HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Budget	Budget

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 2981U was priced at $137, while the Celeron G440 came in at $37. On launch pricing ($137 vs $37), Celeron G440 was $100 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 2981U delivers 7.6 pts/$ vs 28.0 pts/$ for the Celeron G440 — making the Celeron G440 the 114.9% better value option.

Feature	Celeron 2981U	Celeron G440
MSRP	$137	$37-73%
Performance per Dollar	7.6	28.0+268%
Release Date	2014	2011

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