Celeron G3900E vs Core i5-2435M

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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M: 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

✅+33.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (948 vs 1,025).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $107 MSRP, while Core i5-2435M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-2435M

2011

Why buy it

✅+8.1% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (525 vs 699).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3900E better than Core i5-2435M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3900E is ahead with a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2435M pulls ahead with 8.1% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M is the stronger fit. You are getting 8.1% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $107 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2435M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 8.1% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (19.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2435M 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 i5-2435M

The Core i5-2435M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,035 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3900E packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2435M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Celeron G3900E versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2435M — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2435M. The Celeron G3900E uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2435M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900E scores 2,034 against the Core i5-2435M's 2,035 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-2435M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 699 vs 525, a 28.4% lead for the Celeron G3900E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 948 vs 1,025 (7.8% advantage for the Core i5-2435M). L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3900E vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2435M.

Feature	Celeron G3900E	Core i5-2435M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3 GHz+25%
Base Clock	—	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,034	2,035
Geekbench 6 Single	699+33%	525
Geekbench 6 Multi	948	1,025+8%

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900E versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2435M — 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 16 GB — 300% 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 HM65,HM67 (Core i5-2435M).

Feature	Celeron G3900E	Core i5-2435M
Socket	—	BGA1023
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	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3900E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-2435M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900E) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2435M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900E targets Budget, Core i5-2435M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900E rivals Pentium G4400.