Celeron 2981U vs Celeron G440
Celeron 2981U
Celeron G440
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Celeron 2981U is positioned at rank 426 and the Celeron G440 is on rank 625, so the Celeron 2981U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Celeron 2981U
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G440
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Celeron 2981U | Celeron G440 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($137) | ✅ More affordable ($5) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Celeron 2981U | Celeron G440 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2637%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($137) | ✅ More affordable ($5) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Celeron 2981U and Celeron G440
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.
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 |
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. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Celeron G440 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Celeron 2981U launched at $137 MSRP, while the Celeron G440 debuted at $37.
| Feature | Celeron 2981U | Celeron G440 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $137 | $37-73% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $5 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
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