Celeron G3900T vs Core i3-3130M

Intel

Celeron G3900T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-3130M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Celeron G3900T vs Core i3-3130M 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 G3900T vs Core i3-3130M 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 G3900T vs Core i3-3130M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3900T

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $183 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 434.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.2 vs 8.5 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,900 vs 1,906).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-3130M

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.3% higher PassMark.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.5 vs 45.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3130M better than Celeron G3900T?
Yes. Core i3-3130M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% 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, Core i3-3130M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, 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?
Core i3-3130M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3130M comes in 435.7% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3900T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 434.0% better value on paper (45.2 vs 8.5 PassMark/$), 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 G3900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3900T vs Core i3-3130M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G3900T

The Celeron G3900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,900 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i3-3130M

The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3900T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3130M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron G3900T versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron G3900T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-3130M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900T scores 1,900 against the Core i3-3130M's 1,906 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-3130M. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3900T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3130M.

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i3-3130M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB
3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
1,900
1,906
Geekbench 6 Single
514
Geekbench 6 Multi
903
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3900T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3130M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900T versus 1600 on the Core i3-3130M — the Celeron G3900T supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900T 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 G3900T) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i3-3130M).

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i3-3130M
Socket
LGA1151
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+33%
1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3900T) vs true (Core i3-3130M). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3130M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900T rivals Pentium G4400T; Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i3-3130M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 510
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900T was priced at $42, while the Core i3-3130M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($42 vs $225), Celeron G3900T was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900T delivers 45.2 pts/$ vs 8.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-3130M — making the Celeron G3900T the 136.9% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i3-3130M
MSRP
$42-81%
$225
Performance per Dollar
45.2+432%
8.5
Release Date
2015
2013

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