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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K: 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

✅+25.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $174 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Delivers 415.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 48.2 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core i5-655K.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (560 vs 704).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,250 vs 1,350).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 48.2 PassMark/$ ($216 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G3930T.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3930T better than Core i5-655K?

Yes. Celeron G3930T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 8% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.3% higher 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 2.7% 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 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 $174 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $216 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 415.8% better value on MSRP (48.2 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), 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 2010) 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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K

The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3930T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-655K's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930T versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Celeron G3930T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-655K uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930T scores 2,023 against the Core i5-655K's 2,017 — a 0.3% lead for the Celeron G3930T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 704 vs 560, a 22.8% lead for the Celeron G3930T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,350 vs 1,250 (7.7% advantage for the Celeron G3930T). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930T vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K.

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core i5-655K
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.46 GHz+28%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,023	2,017
Geekbench 6 Single	704+26%	560
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,350+8%	1,250

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-655K uses LGA1156 (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 i5-655K — 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 H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K).

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core i5-655K
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
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

Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3930T) vs VT-x (Core i5-655K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3930T) and Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-655K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930T targets Desktop, Core i5-655K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930T rivals Pentium G4560T.

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core i5-655K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 610	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930T was priced at $42, while the Core i5-655K came in at $216. On launch pricing ($42 vs $216), Celeron G3930T was $174 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930T delivers 48.2 pts/$ vs 9.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-655K — making the Celeron G3930T the 135% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3930T	Core i5-655K
MSRP	$42-81%	$216
Performance per Dollar	48.2+418%	9.3
Release Date	2017	2010

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