Celeron G1840 vs Phenom X4 9650

Intel

Celeron G1840

2 Cores2 Thrd50 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9650

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Celeron G1840 vs Phenom X4 9650 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 G1840 vs Phenom X4 9650 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 G1840 vs Phenom X4 9650: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G1840

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Draws 50W instead of 95W, a 45W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics (Haswell), while Phenom X4 9650 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $35 MSRP, while Phenom X4 9650 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom X4 9650

2008

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Celeron G1840 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (1,777 vs 1,784).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
    • 90% higher power demand at 95W vs 50W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G1840 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Celeron G1840 better than Phenom X4 9650?
    Yes. Celeron G1840 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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 G1840 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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 G1840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% 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?
    Celeron G1840 is the better buy right now. Celeron G1840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $35 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (51.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G1840 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2008), 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB), 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 G1840 vs Phenom X4 9650 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron G1840

    The Celeron G1840 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,784 points. Launch price was $53.

    AMD

    Phenom X4 9650

    The Phenom X4 9650 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: 2.3 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: 1,777 points. Launch price was $149.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron G1840 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom X4 9650 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9650 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G1840 versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9650 — a 19.6% clock advantage for the Celeron G1840. The Celeron G1840 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9650 uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1840 scores 1,784 against the Phenom X4 9650's 1,777 — a 0.4% lead for the Celeron G1840. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Celeron G1840 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9650.

    FeatureCeleron G1840Phenom X4 9650
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    4 / 4+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.8 GHz+22%
    2.3 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB (total)+50%
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    512 kB (per core)+100%
    Process
    22 nm-66%
    65 nm
    Architecture
    Haswell (2013−2015)
    Agena (2007−2008)
    PassMark
    1,784
    1,777
    Geekbench 6 Single
    488
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    832
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron G1840 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9650 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron G1840Phenom X4 9650
    Socket
    LGA1150
    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 (Celeron G1840) / not specified (Phenom X4 9650). The Celeron G1840 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics (Haswell)), while the Phenom X4 9650 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1840 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G1840 rivals Pentium G3240.

    FeatureCeleron G1840Phenom X4 9650
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD Graphics (Haswell)
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Budget