Celeron G3900T vs Core i5-560M

Intel

Celeron G3900T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-560M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Celeron G3900T vs Core i5-560M 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 i5-560M 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 i5-560M: 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

  • +14.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $183 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 437.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.2 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (903 vs 950).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i5-560M

2010

Why buy it

  • +5.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (450 vs 514).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 45.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3900T better than Core i5-560M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3900T is ahead with a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-560M pulls ahead with 5.2% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i5-560M 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 i5-560M is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.2% 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 G3900T is the better buy right now. Celeron G3900T comes in $183 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-560M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 5.2% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 437.4% better value on MSRP (45.2 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), 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 G3900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3900T vs Core i5-560M 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 i5-560M

The Core i5-560M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,894 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3900T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-560M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron G3900T versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Celeron G3900T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-560M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900T scores 1,900 against the Core i5-560M's 1,894 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron G3900T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 514 vs 450, a 13.3% lead for the Celeron G3900T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 903 vs 950 (5.1% advantage for the Core i5-560M). L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3900T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-560M.

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i5-560M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock
2.6 GHz
2.66 GHz+2%
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)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,900
1,894
Geekbench 6 Single
514+14%
450
Geekbench 6 Multi
903
950+5%
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3900T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-560M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900T versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-560M — the Celeron G3900T supports 100.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 700% 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 HM55,HM57,PM55,QM57 (Core i5-560M).

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i5-560M
Socket
LGA1151
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+100%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+700%
8 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 VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900T) and Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900T targets Budget, Core i5-560M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900T rivals Pentium G4400T; Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i5-560M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 510
Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Laptop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900T was priced at $42, while the Core i5-560M 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 8.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-560M — making the Celeron G3900T the 137.2% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3900TCore i5-560M
MSRP
$42-81%
$225
Performance per Dollar
45.2+438%
8.4
Release Date
2015
2010

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