Celeron G3900 vs Phenom II X4 910e

Intel

Celeron G3900

2 Cores2 Thrd51 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 910e

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Celeron G3900 vs Phenom II X4 910e 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 G3900 vs Phenom II X4 910e 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 Phenom II X4 910e: 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 $115 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $157 MSRP).
  • Delivers 275.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.3 vs 13.7 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $157 MSRP).
  • Draws 51W instead of 65W, a 14W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 510, while Phenom II X4 910e needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Phenom II X4 910e

2010

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,148 vs 2,155).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.7 vs 51.3 PassMark/$ ($157 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • 27.5% higher power demand at 65W vs 51W.
  • 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 Phenom II X4 910e?
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, 0.3% 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 0.3% 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 $115 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $157 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 275.0% better value on MSRP (51.3 vs 13.7 PassMark/$), 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 2010) 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 G3900 vs Phenom II X4 910e Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Phenom II X4 910e

The Phenom II X4 910e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,148 points. Launch price was $157.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 910e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 910e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 versus 2.6 GHz on the Phenom II X4 910e — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Celeron G3900 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron G3900 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X4 910e uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900 scores 2,155 against the Phenom II X4 910e's 2,148 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron G3900. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 910e.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 910e
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+8%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+8%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
2,155
2,148
Geekbench 6 Single
680
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,250
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 910e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900 versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X4 910e — the Celeron G3900 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Celeron G3900) vs 0 (Phenom II X4 910e) — the Celeron G3900 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 910e
Socket
LGA1151
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+60%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+300%
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X4 910e). The Celeron G3900 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Phenom II X4 910e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900 targets Desktop, Phenom II X4 910e targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 910e
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 510
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900 was priced at $42, while the Phenom II X4 910e came in at $157. On launch pricing ($42 vs $157), Celeron G3900 was $115 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900 delivers 51.3 pts/$ vs 13.7 pts/$ for the Phenom II X4 910e — making the Celeron G3900 the 115.8% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 910e
MSRP
$42-73%
$157
Performance per Dollar
51.3+274%
13.7
Release Date
2015
2010

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