Celeron G3930T vs Core i3-2102

Intel

Celeron G3930T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2102

2 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Celeron G3930T vs Core i3-2102 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 G3930T vs Core i3-2102 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 i3-2102: 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

  • +36.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $75 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Delivers 177.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.2 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-2102

2011

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (515 vs 704).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,082 vs 1,350).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 48.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3930T better than Core i3-2102?
Yes. Celeron G3930T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 24.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 0.9% 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, Celeron G3930T is the stronger fit. You are getting 24.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 $75 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 177.7% better value on MSRP (48.2 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), 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 2011) 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 G3930T vs Core i3-2102 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i3-2102

The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3930T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2102's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930T versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 — a 13.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2102 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Celeron G3930T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2102 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930T scores 2,023 against the Core i3-2102's 2,029 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2102. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 704 vs 515, a 31% lead for the Celeron G3930T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,350 vs 1,082 (22% advantage for the Celeron G3930T). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i3-2102
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
3.1 GHz+15%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
3.1 GHz+15%
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
2,023
2,029
Geekbench 6 Single
704+37%
515
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,350+25%
1,082
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2102 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2102 — the Celeron G3930T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930T 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 G3930T) and H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102).

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i3-2102
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+80%
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 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 G3930T) vs VT-x (Core i3-2102). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3930T) and Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i3-2102) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930T targets Desktop, Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930T rivals Pentium G4560T.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i3-2102
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 610
Intel HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x
Target Use
Desktop
Office Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930T was priced at $42, while the Core i3-2102 came in at $117. On launch pricing ($42 vs $117), Celeron G3930T was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930T delivers 48.2 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-2102 — making the Celeron G3930T the 94.1% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i3-2102
MSRP
$42-64%
$117
Performance per Dollar
48.2+179%
17.3
Release Date
2017
2011

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