Celeron G3930 vs Core i5-3427U

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 G3930 vs Core i5-3427U 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 G3930 vs Core i5-3427U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3930

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 51W instead of 512W, a 461W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Core i5-3427U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-3427U

2012

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,252 vs 2,259).
❌903.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 51W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3930 better than Core i5-3427U?

Yes. Celeron G3930 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron G3930 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G3930 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G3930 is the better buy right now. Celeron G3930 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $42 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (53.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G3930 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G3930 vs Core i5-3427U Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3930

The Celeron G3930 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,259 points. Launch price was $42.

Core i5-3427U

The Core i5-3427U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,252 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3930 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3427U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G3930 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-3427U — a 3.5% clock advantage for the Celeron G3930 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Celeron G3930 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3427U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930 scores 2,259 against the Core i5-3427U's 2,252 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron G3930. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3427U.

Feature	Celeron G3930	Core i5-3427U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+4%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+61%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,259	2,252
Geekbench 6 Single	750	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3427U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930 versus 1600 on the Core i5-3427U — the Celeron G3930 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930 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,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3930) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3427U).

Feature	Celeron G3930	Core i5-3427U
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	1600
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. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3930) vs true (Core i5-3427U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3930) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3427U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930 rivals Pentium G4560; Core i5-3427U rivals AMD A8-4555M.