Celeron G3900 vs Core 2 Quad Q9400
Celeron G3900
Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Celeron G3900 is positioned at rank 419 and the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is on rank 1003, so the Celeron G3900 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3900
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Quad Q9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Celeron G3900 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Celeron G3900 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+56%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($39) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Celeron G3900 and Core 2 Quad Q9400
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 Quad Q9400
The Core 2 Quad Q9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.67 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,160 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Celeron G3900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9400 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 versus 2.67 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — a 4.8% clock advantage for the Celeron G3900 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Celeron G3900 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900 scores 2,155 against the Core 2 Quad Q9400's 2,160 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Quad Q9400. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9400.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+5% | 2.67 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+5% | 2.66 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6 MB (total)+2300% |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 2,155 | 2,160 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 680 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,250 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron G3900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 uses LGA775 (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 Quad Q9400 — the Celeron G3900 supports 28.6% 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 — 155.6% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Celeron G3900) vs 0 (Core 2 Quad Q9400) — the Celeron G3900 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+700% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900) vs VT-x (Core 2 Quad Q9400). The Celeron G3900 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900 targets Desktop, Core 2 Quad Q9400 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 510 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Celeron G3900 launched at $42 MSRP, while the Core 2 Quad Q9400 debuted at $229. At current prices ($39 vs $25), the Core 2 Quad Q9400 is $14 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900 delivers 55.3 pts/$ vs 86.4 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9400 — making the Core 2 Quad Q9400 the 44% better value option.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core 2 Quad Q9400 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42-82% | $229 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $39 | $25-36% |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.3 | 86.4+56% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2008 |
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