Celeron B815 vs Pentium G3260

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 B815 vs Pentium G3260 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 B815 vs Pentium G3260: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron B815

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), while Pentium G3260 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,093 vs 2,116).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.3 vs 33.1 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $22 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
✅Delivers 35.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.1 vs 24.3 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron B815 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3260 better than Celeron B815?

Yes. Pentium G3260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 G3260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% 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 G3260 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3260 comes in $22 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 35.9% better value on MSRP (33.1 vs 24.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron B815 vs Pentium G3260 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron B815

The Celeron B815 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) 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 (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $86.

Pentium G3260

The Pentium G3260 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. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron B815 and Pentium G3260 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. The Celeron B815 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron B815 scores 2,093 against the Pentium G3260's 2,116 — a 1.1% lead for the Pentium G3260. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron B815 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Celeron B815	Pentium G3260
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	3.3 GHz+106%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	2,093	2,116+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron B815 uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron B815	Pentium G3260
Socket	PGA988	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron B815) / not specified (Pentium G3260). The Celeron B815 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)), while the Pentium G3260 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron B815 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron B815 rivals Pentium 967.

Feature	Celeron B815	Pentium G3260
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron B815 was priced at $86, while the Pentium G3260 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($86 vs $64), Pentium G3260 was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron B815 delivers 24.3 pts/$ vs 33.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G3260 — making the Pentium G3260 the 30.4% better value option.

Feature	Celeron B815	Pentium G3260
MSRP	$86	$64-26%
Performance per Dollar	24.3	33.1+36%
Release Date	2012	2015

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