Celeron G3900TE vs Core i7-740QM

Intel

Celeron G3900TE

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-740QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.93 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Celeron G3900TE vs Core i7-740QM 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 G3900TE vs Core i7-740QM 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 G3900TE vs Core i7-740QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3900TE

2015

Why buy it

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $336 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Delivers 803.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.0 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 510, while Core i7-740QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-740QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,842 vs 1,850).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.9 vs 44.0 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • 28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3900TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3900TE better than Core i7-740QM?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-740QM is ahead with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G3900TE pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i7-740QM also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G3900TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G3900TE is the better buy right now. Celeron G3900TE comes in $336 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-740QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 803.9% better value on MSRP (44.0 vs 4.9 PassMark/$), 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 G3900TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G3900TE vs Core i7-740QM Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G3900TE

The Celeron G3900TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 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: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,850 points. Launch price was $42.

Intel

Core i7-740QM

The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3900TE packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-740QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Celeron G3900TE versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-740QM — a 24.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-740QM. The Celeron G3900TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-740QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900TE scores 1,850 against the Core i7-740QM's 1,842 — a 0.4% lead for the Celeron G3900TE. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3900TE vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM.

FeatureCeleron G3900TECore i7-740QM
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
2.93 GHz+27%
Base Clock
1.73 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB
6 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark
1,850
1,842
Geekbench 6 Single
514
Geekbench 6 Multi
903
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3900TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-740QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900TE versus 1333 on the Core i7-740QM — the Celeron G3900TE supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900TE 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,Q170 (Celeron G3900TE) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-740QM).

FeatureCeleron G3900TECore i7-740QM
Socket
LGA1151
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+60%
1333
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, VT-d (Celeron G3900TE) vs true (Core i7-740QM). The Celeron G3900TE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Core i7-740QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900TE rivals Pentium G4400T; Core i7-740QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

FeatureCeleron G3900TECore i7-740QM
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 510
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Embedded
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900TE was priced at $42, while the Core i7-740QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($42 vs $378), Celeron G3900TE was $336 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900TE delivers 44.0 pts/$ vs 4.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-740QM — making the Celeron G3900TE the 160.2% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3900TECore i7-740QM
MSRP
$42-89%
$378
Performance per Dollar
44.0+798%
4.9
Release Date
2015
2010

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