Celeron G1620 vs Phenom X4 9500

Intel

Celeron G1620

2 Cores2 Thrd55 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9500

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2007
Similar parts
·······

Celeron G1620 vs Phenom X4 9500 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 G1620 vs Phenom X4 9500 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 G1620 vs Phenom X4 9500: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1620

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $195 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $247 MSRP).
  • Delivers 381.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.5 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $247 MSRP).
  • Draws 55W instead of 95W, a 40W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1), while Phenom X4 9500 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Phenom X4 9500

2007

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,564 vs 1,586).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 30.5 PassMark/$ ($247 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
    • 72.7% higher power demand at 95W vs 55W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G1620 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G1620.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Celeron G1620 better than Phenom X4 9500?
    Yes. Celeron G1620 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% 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, Celeron G1620 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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, Celeron G1620 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Celeron G1620 is the better buy right now. Celeron G1620 comes in $195 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $247 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 381.7% better value on MSRP (30.5 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Celeron G1620 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2007) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Celeron G1620 vs Phenom X4 9500 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron G1620

    The Celeron G1620 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 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: 1,586 points. Launch price was $208.

    AMD

    Phenom X4 9500

    The Phenom X4 9500 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,564 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron G1620 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9500 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G1620 versus 2.2 GHz on the Phenom X4 9500 — a 20.4% clock advantage for the Celeron G1620. The Celeron G1620 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9500 uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1620 scores 1,586 against the Phenom X4 9500's 1,564 — a 1.4% lead for the Celeron G1620. Both processors carry 2 MB (total) of L3 cache.

    FeatureCeleron G1620Phenom X4 9500
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.7 GHz+23%
    2.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.7 GHz
    L3 Cache
    2 MB (total)
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    Process
    22 nm-66%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    Agena (2007−2008)
    PassMark
    1,586+1%
    1,564
    Geekbench 6 Single
    441
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    760
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron G1620 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9500 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron G1620Phenom X4 9500
    Socket
    LGA1155
    AM2+
    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
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Celeron G1620) / not specified (Phenom X4 9500). The Celeron G1620 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1)), while the Phenom X4 9500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1620 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G1620 rivals Pentium G2030.

    FeatureCeleron G1620Phenom X4 9500
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1)
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, EPT
    Target Use
    Desktop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron G1620 was priced at $52, while the Phenom X4 9500 came in at $247. On launch pricing ($52 vs $247), Celeron G1620 was $195 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G1620 delivers 30.5 pts/$ vs 6.3 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9500 — making the Celeron G1620 the 131.2% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron G1620Phenom X4 9500
    MSRP
    $52-79%
    $247
    Performance per Dollar
    30.5+384%
    6.3
    Release Date
    2012
    2007

    Affiliate Disclosure

    ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

    Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.