Celeron G3900 vs Ryzen 5 5600X
Celeron G3900
Popular choices:
Ryzen 5 5600X
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Celeron G3900 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($39) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Celeron G3900 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+193%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($39) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($135) |
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 Ryzen 5 5600X
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.
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Celeron G3900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 5600X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron G3900 versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 48.6% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Celeron G3900 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900 scores 2,155 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 164.1% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron G3900 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz+64% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.7 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 32 MB+700% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 2,155 | 21,845+914% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 680 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,250 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron G3900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Ryzen 5 5600X supports up to 128 GB 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 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3900) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 5 5600X).
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Celeron G3900 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900 targets Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900 rivals Pentium G4400.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 510 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Celeron G3900 launched at $42 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 5600X debuted at $299. At current prices ($39 vs $135), the Celeron G3900 is $96 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900 delivers 55.3 pts/$ vs 161.8 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 98.2% better value option.
| Feature | Celeron G3900 | Ryzen 5 5600X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42-86% | $299 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $39-71% | $135 |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.3 | 161.8+193% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2020 |
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