Celeron G1620T vs Core i3-2100T

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 G1620T vs Core i3-2100T 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 G1620T vs Core i3-2100T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1620T

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $85 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).
✅Delivers 202.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 36.5 vs 12.1 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $127 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge), while Core i3-2100T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-2100T

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,531 vs 1,532).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.1 vs 36.5 PassMark/$ ($127 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G1620T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G1620T better than Core i3-2100T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2100T is ahead with 4.2% higher max boost clock. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G1620T pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i3-2100T also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G1620T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G1620T is the better buy right now. Celeron G1620T comes in $85 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $127 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-2100T is still the better pure gaming CPU with 4.2% higher max boost clock. It is also 202.6% better value on MSRP (36.5 vs 12.1 PassMark/$), 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 G1620T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G1620T vs Core i3-2100T Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G1620T

The Celeron G1620T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,532 points. Launch price was $42.

Core i3-2100T

The Core i3-2100T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,531 points. Launch price was $180.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G1620T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2100T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Celeron G1620T versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-2100T — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-2100T (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Celeron G1620T uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-2100T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1620T scores 1,532 against the Core i3-2100T's 1,531 — a 0.1% lead for the Celeron G1620T. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G1620T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100T.

Feature	Celeron G1620T	Core i3-2100T
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.5 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.5 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,532	1,531
Geekbench 6 Single	374	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	701	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Celeron G1620T	Core i3-2100T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
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 G1620T) / not specified (Core i3-2100T). The Celeron G1620T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)), while the Core i3-2100T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1620T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1620T rivals Pentium G2020T.

Feature	Celeron G1620T	Core i3-2100T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G1620T was priced at $42, while the Core i3-2100T came in at $127. On launch pricing ($42 vs $127), Celeron G1620T was $85 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G1620T delivers 36.5 pts/$ vs 12.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-2100T — making the Celeron G1620T the 100.6% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G1620T	Core i3-2100T
MSRP	$42-67%	$127
Performance per Dollar	36.5+202%	12.1
Release Date	2013	2011

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