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 G3930T vs Core 2 Quad Q9300 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 G3930T vs Core 2 Quad Q9300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3930T

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $224 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Delivers 537.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.2 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $266 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 610, while Core 2 Quad Q9300 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core 2 Quad Q9300.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core 2 Quad Q9300

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,011 vs 2,023).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 48.2 PassMark/$ ($266 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3930T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G3930T.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3930T better than Core 2 Quad Q9300?

Yes. Celeron G3930T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 G3930T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G3930T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron G3930T is the better buy right now. Celeron G3930T comes in $224 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $266 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 537.1% better value on MSRP (48.2 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), 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 G3930T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G3930T vs Core 2 Quad Q9300 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3930T

The Celeron G3930T 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,023 points. Launch price was $42.

Core 2 Quad Q9300

The Core 2 Quad Q9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 6 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,011 points. Launch price was $249.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3930T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Quad Q9300 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930T versus 2.5 GHz on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — a 7.7% clock advantage for the Celeron G3930T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Celeron G3930T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930T scores 2,023 against the Core 2 Quad Q9300's 2,011 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron G3930T. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930T vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Quad Q9300.

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core 2 Quad Q9300
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+4167%	6 MB (total)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Yorkfield (2007−2009)
PassMark	2,023	2,011
Geekbench 6 Single	704	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,350	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930T versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — the Celeron G3930T supports 125.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% 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 G3930T) and P35,P45,X38,X48 (Core 2 Quad Q9300).

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core 2 Quad Q9300
Socket	LGA1151	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+125%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3930T) / not specified (Core 2 Quad Q9300). The Celeron G3930T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 610), while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930T targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930T rivals Pentium G4560T.

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core 2 Quad Q9300
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 610	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930T was priced at $42, while the Core 2 Quad Q9300 came in at $266. On launch pricing ($42 vs $266), Celeron G3930T was $224 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930T delivers 48.2 pts/$ vs 7.6 pts/$ for the Core 2 Quad Q9300 — making the Celeron G3930T the 145.7% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core 2 Quad Q9300
MSRP	$42-84%	$266
Performance per Dollar	48.2+534%	7.6
Release Date	2017	2008

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