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 G3900E vs Core i3-2102 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 G3900E vs Core i3-2102: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron G3900E

2016

Why buy it

✅+35.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $10 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
✅Delivers 9.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.0 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (948 vs 1,082).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2102.

Core i3-2102

2011

Why buy it

✅+14.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Celeron G3900E.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (515 vs 699).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 19.0 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3900E better than Core i3-2102?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3900E is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2102 pulls ahead with 14.1% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i3-2102 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2102 is the stronger fit. You are getting 14.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Celeron G3900E is the better buy right now. Celeron G3900E comes in $10 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-2102 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 14.1% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 9.6% better value on MSRP (19.0 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), 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 G3900E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3900E vs Core i3-2102 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3900E

The Celeron G3900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 2,034 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i3-2102

The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3900E packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2102's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Celeron G3900E versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 — a 25.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102. The Celeron G3900E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2102 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900E scores 2,034 against the Core i3-2102's 2,029 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron G3900E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 699 vs 515, a 30.3% lead for the Celeron G3900E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 948 vs 1,082 (13.2% advantage for the Core i3-2102). L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3900E vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102.

Feature	Celeron G3900E	Core i3-2102
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.1 GHz+29%
Base Clock	—	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,034	2,029
Geekbench 6 Single	699+36%	515
Geekbench 6 Multi	948	1,082+14%

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900E versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2102 — the Celeron G3900E supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900E supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B150,H170,Z170 (Celeron G3900E) and H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102).

Feature	Celeron G3900E	Core i3-2102
Socket	—	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900E) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2102) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900E targets Budget, Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900E rivals Pentium G4400.

Feature	Celeron G3900E	Core i3-2102
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 510	Intel HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Budget	Office Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900E was priced at $107, while the Core i3-2102 came in at $117. On launch pricing ($107 vs $117), Celeron G3900E was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900E delivers 19.0 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-2102 — making the Celeron G3900E the 9.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3900E	Core i3-2102
MSRP	$107-9%	$117
Performance per Dollar	19.0+10%	17.3
Release Date	2016	2011

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