Celeron G3900 vs Core i7-12700K
Celeron G3900
Core i7-12700K
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. The Celeron G3900 is positioned at rank #419 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3900
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Celeron G3900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($39) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Celeron G3900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+118%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($39) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
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 i7-12700K
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 i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Celeron G3900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 56.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Celeron G3900 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900 scores 2,155 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 176.4% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900 vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 12 / 20+500% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 5 GHz+79% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+525% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 2,155 | 34,347+1494% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 680 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,250 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron G3900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900 versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Celeron G3900) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3900) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+52428700% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400; Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 510 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Celeron G3900 launched at $42 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($39 vs $285), the Celeron G3900 is $246 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900 delivers 55.3 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 74.3% better value option.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42-90% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $39-86% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.3 | 120.5+118% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2021 |
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