Celeron G3900 vs Phenom II X4 B93

Intel

Celeron G3900

2 Cores2 Thrd51 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 B93

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Celeron G3900 vs Phenom II X4 B93 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 B93 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 B93: 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

  • Draws 51W instead of 95W, a 44W 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 B93 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Phenom II X4 B93.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,155 vs 2,159).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 B93 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 B93

2009

Why buy it

  • +0.2% higher PassMark.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

  • 86.3% higher power demand at 95W 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 Phenom II X4 B93 better than Celeron G3900?
Yes. Phenom II X4 B93 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 and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 B93 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X4 B93 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X4 B93 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3900 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (51.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
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 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3900 vs Phenom II X4 B93 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 B93

The Phenom II X4 B93 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,159 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 B93 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 B93 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 B93 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Celeron G3900 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X4 B93 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900 scores 2,155 against the Phenom II X4 B93's 2,159 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X4 B93. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 B93.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 B93
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 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
2,159
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 Phenom II X4 B93 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 B93
Socket
LGA1151
AM3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900) / not specified (Phenom II X4 B93). The Celeron G3900 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Phenom II X4 B93 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400.

FeatureCeleron G3900Phenom II X4 B93
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 510
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop