Celeron G3930T vs Core i7-920XM

Intel

Celeron G3930T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2017
VS
Intel

Core i7-920XM

4 Cores8 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2009

Celeron G3930T vs Core i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM 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 i7-920XM: 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

  • βœ…+0.4% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.
  • βœ…Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 610, while Core i7-920XM needs a discrete GPU.
  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core i7-920XM.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Core i7-920XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

  • βœ…+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,023).
  • ❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W 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 i7-920XM?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-920XM is ahead with a 1.3% 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 i7-920XM also has the bigger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 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 at an unclear MSRP at $42 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-920XM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (48.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G3930T vs Core i7-920XM 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 (2016βˆ’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 i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009βˆ’2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

⚑

Processing Power

The Celeron G3930T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-920XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads β€” the Core i7-920XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930T versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM β€” a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-920XM (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Celeron G3930T uses the Kaby Lake (2016βˆ’2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-920XM uses Clarksfield (2009βˆ’2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930T scores 2,023 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 β€” a 0.4% lead for the Celeron G3930T. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3930T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920XM.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i7-920XM
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
3.2 GHz+19%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+35%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-69%
45 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016βˆ’2019)
Clarksfield (2009βˆ’2010)
PassMark
2,023
2,014
Geekbench 6 Single
704
β€”
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,350
β€”
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-920XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930T versus 1333 on the Core i7-920XM β€” 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 8 GB β€” 700% 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 PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i7-920XM
Socket
LGA1151
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+80%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+700%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3930T) vs true (Core i7-920XM). The Celeron G3930T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 610), while the Core i7-920XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930T targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930T rivals Pentium G4560T; Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

FeatureCeleron G3930TCore i7-920XM
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 610
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Desktop
β€”