Celeron G3930 vs Core i7-940XM

Intel

Celeron G3930

2 Cores2 Thrd51 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-940XM

4 Cores8 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Celeron G3930 vs Core i7-940XM 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 G3930 vs Core i7-940XM 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 i7-940XM: 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

  • Costs $1,054 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
  • Delivers 2498.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
  • Draws 51W instead of 55W, a 4W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 610, while Core i7-940XM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,259 vs 2,269).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($1,096 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3930 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Celeron G3930?
Yes. Core i7-940XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.0% 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, Core i7-940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-940XM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-940XM comes in 2509.5% more expensive on MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3930 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 2498.0% better value on paper (53.8 vs 2.1 PassMark/$), 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 G3930 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3930 vs Core i7-940XM Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3930 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-940XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G3930 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 13.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Celeron G3930 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930 scores 2,259 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-940XM. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.

FeatureCeleron G3930Core i7-940XM
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
3.33 GHz+15%
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+36%
2.13 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark
2,259
2,269
Geekbench 6 Single
750
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,100
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930 versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the Celeron G3930 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930 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,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3930) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).

FeatureCeleron G3930Core i7-940XM
Socket
LGA1151
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+80%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+700%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3930) vs true (Core i7-940XM). The Celeron G3930 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Core i7-940XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930 rivals Pentium G4560; Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

FeatureCeleron G3930Core i7-940XM
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 610
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930 was priced at $42, while the Core i7-940XM came in at $1096. On launch pricing ($42 vs $1096), Celeron G3930 was $1054 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930 delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 2.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-940XM — making the Celeron G3930 the 185.2% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3930Core i7-940XM
MSRP
$42-96%
$1096
Performance per Dollar
53.8+2462%
2.1
Release Date
2017
2010

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