Celeron G3930T vs Core i5-2430M

Intel

Celeron G3930T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-2430M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Celeron G3930T vs Core i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M: 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

  • +0.4% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $183 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 437.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.2 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core i5-2430M.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,023).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 48.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G3930T.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3930T better than Core i5-2430M?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2430M is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Celeron G3930T pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i5-2430M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
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 0.4% 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 $183 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2430M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 437.8% better value on MSRP (48.2 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3930T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2430M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930T versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2430M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Celeron G3930T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2430M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930T scores 2,023 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.4% lead for the Celeron G3930T. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i5-2430M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
3 GHz+11%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+13%
2.4 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
2,023
2,015
Geekbench 6 Single
704
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,350
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2430M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930T versus 1333 on the Core i5-2430M — 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 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 HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i5-2430M
Socket
LGA1151
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+80%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+300%
16 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 true (Core i5-2430M). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3930T) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930T targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930T rivals Pentium G4560T; Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i5-2430M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 610
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930T was priced at $42, while the Core i5-2430M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($42 vs $225), Celeron G3930T was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930T delivers 48.2 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2430M — making the Celeron G3930T the 137.3% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i5-2430M
MSRP
$42-81%
$225
Performance per Dollar
48.2+436%
9.0
Release Date
2017
2011

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