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 G3900 vs Core 2 Duo SL9400 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 G3900 vs Core 2 Duo SL9400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3900

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $242 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 579.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.3 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 510, while Core 2 Duo SL9400 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core 2 Duo SL9400.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌750% higher power demand at 51W vs 6W.

Core 2 Duo SL9400

2008

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 51W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,144 vs 2,155).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 51.3 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3900 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G3900.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3900 better than Core 2 Duo SL9400?

Yes. Celeron G3900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% 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 G3900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 G3900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G3900 is the better buy right now. Celeron G3900 comes in $242 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 579.7% better value on MSRP (51.3 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), 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 G3900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2008) 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 G3900 vs Core 2 Duo SL9400 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3900

The Celeron G3900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,155 points. Launch price was $42.

Core 2 Duo SL9400

The Core 2 Duo SL9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,144 points. Launch price was $284.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron G3900 and Core 2 Duo SL9400 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 versus 1.86 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 — a 40.3% clock advantage for the Celeron G3900 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Celeron G3900 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SL9400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900 scores 2,155 against the Core 2 Duo SL9400's 2,144 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron G3900. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900 vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SL9400.

Feature	Celeron G3900	Core 2 Duo SL9400
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+51%	1.86 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+51%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	6 MB+2300%
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	2,155	2,144
Geekbench 6 Single	680	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Duo SL9400 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SL9400 — the Celeron G3900 supports 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3900) and GS45,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo SL9400).

Feature	Celeron G3900	Core 2 Duo SL9400
Socket	LGA1151	BGA956
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+100%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+700%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo SL9400). The Celeron G3900 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Core 2 Duo SL9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900 targets Desktop, Core 2 Duo SL9400 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400.

Feature	Celeron G3900	Core 2 Duo SL9400
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 510	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900 was priced at $42, while the Core 2 Duo SL9400 came in at $284. On launch pricing ($42 vs $284), Celeron G3900 was $242 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900 delivers 51.3 pts/$ vs 7.5 pts/$ for the Core 2 Duo SL9400 — making the Celeron G3900 the 148.7% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3900	Core 2 Duo SL9400
MSRP	$42-85%	$284
Performance per Dollar	51.3+584%	7.5
Release Date	2015	2008

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