Celeron G1610 vs Phenom II X3 P820

Intel

Celeron G1610

2 Cores2 Thrd55 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X3 P820

3 Cores3 Thrd1.5 WWMax: 1.8 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Celeron G1610 vs Phenom II X3 P820 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 G1610 vs Phenom II X3 P820 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 G1610 vs Phenom II X3 P820: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1610

2012

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Phenom II X3 P820 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,550 vs 1,560).
  • Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Phenom II X3 P820 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 3566.7% higher power demand at 55W vs 1.5W.

Phenom II X3 P820

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.6% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 54W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G1610 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G1610 better than Phenom II X3 P820?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G1610 is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 23 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 P820 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X3 P820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G1610 is the better buy right now. Celeron G1610 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $42 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 23 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Phenom II X3 P820 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (36.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G1610 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G1610 vs Phenom II X3 P820 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G1610

The Celeron G1610 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 December 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,550 points. Launch price was $388.

AMD

Phenom II X3 P820

The Phenom II X3 P820 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1.5 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1.5 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,560 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Celeron G1610 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X3 P820 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 P820 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron G1610 versus 1.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 P820 — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Celeron G1610. The Celeron G1610 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X3 P820 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1610 scores 1,550 against the Phenom II X3 P820's 1,560 — a 0.6% lead for the Phenom II X3 P820.

FeatureCeleron G1610Phenom II X3 P820
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz+44%
1.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1.5 MB+500%
Process
22 nm-51%
45 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,550
1,560
Geekbench 6 Single
456
Geekbench 6 Multi
778
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G1610 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 P820 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron G1610Phenom II X3 P820
Socket
LGA1155
S1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G1610) / not specified (Phenom II X3 P820). The Celeron G1610 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Phenom II X3 P820 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1610 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1610 rivals Pentium G2020.

FeatureCeleron G1610Phenom II X3 P820
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Budget