Celeron G3930 vs Xeon E3-1220L

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 Xeon E3-1220L 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 Xeon E3-1220L: 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 $147 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 349.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.8 vs 12.0 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $189 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 610, while Xeon E3-1220L needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,259 vs 2,263).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1220L, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.
❌155% higher power demand at 51W vs 20W.

Xeon E3-1220L

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 20W instead of 51W, a 31W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.0 vs 53.8 PassMark/$ ($189 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3930 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220L better than Celeron G3930?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron G3930 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1220L is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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, Xeon E3-1220L is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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?

Xeon E3-1220L is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1220L comes in 350.0% more expensive on MSRP at $189 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3930 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 349.2% better value on paper (53.8 vs 12.0 PassMark/$), 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 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3930 vs Xeon E3-1220L 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.

Xeon E3-1220L

The Xeon E3-1220L is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 20 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,263 points. Launch price was $800.

⚡

Processing Power

The Celeron G3930 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220L's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G3930 versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L — a 15.9% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220L (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Celeron G3930 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930 scores 2,259 against the Xeon E3-1220L's 2,263 — a 0.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1220L. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930 vs 3 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L.

Feature	Celeron G3930	Xeon E3-1220L
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.4 GHz+17%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+32%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,259	2,263
Geekbench 6 Single	750	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1220L uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G3930	Xeon E3-1220L
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G3930) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220L). The Celeron G3930 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Xeon E3-1220L requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930 rivals Pentium G4560.

Feature	Celeron G3930	Xeon E3-1220L
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 610	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930 was priced at $42, while the Xeon E3-1220L came in at $189. On launch pricing ($42 vs $189), Celeron G3930 was $147 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930 delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 12.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1220L — making the Celeron G3930 the 127.2% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3930	Xeon E3-1220L
MSRP	$42-78%	$189
Performance per Dollar	53.8+348%	12.0
Release Date	2017	2011

Search Celeron G3930 on Amazon

Search Xeon E3-1220L on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.