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 G3930TE vs Core i5-2520M 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 G3930TE vs Core i5-2520M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3930TE

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $183 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 430.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.8 vs 10.0 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,218 vs 2,241).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i5-2520M

2011

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.0 vs 52.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2520M better than Celeron G3930TE?

Yes. Core i5-2520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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, Core i5-2520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i5-2520M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2520M comes in 435.7% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3930TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 430.2% better value on paper (52.8 vs 10.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron G3930TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3930TE vs Core i5-2520M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3930TE

The Celeron G3930TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 June 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. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,218 points. Launch price was $42.

Core i5-2520M

The Core i5-2520M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 2,241 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3930TE packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2520M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G3930TE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-2520M — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-2520M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Celeron G3930TE uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2520M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3930TE scores 2,218 against the Core i5-2520M's 2,241 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2520M. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3930TE vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2520M.

Feature	Celeron G3930TE	Core i5-2520M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.2 GHz+19%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,218	2,241+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	548	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	948	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3930TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2520M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3930TE versus 1333 on the Core i5-2520M — the Celeron G3930TE supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3930TE 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 G3930TE) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2520M).

Feature	Celeron G3930TE	Core i5-2520M
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

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3930TE) vs true (Core i5-2520M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3930TE) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2520M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3930TE targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3930TE rivals Pentium G4560T; Core i5-2520M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Celeron G3930TE	Core i5-2520M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 610	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Budget	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3930TE was priced at $42, while the Core i5-2520M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($42 vs $225), Celeron G3930TE was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3930TE delivers 52.8 pts/$ vs 10.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2520M — making the Celeron G3930TE the 136.5% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3930TE	Core i5-2520M
MSRP	$42-81%	$225
Performance per Dollar	52.8+428%	10.0
Release Date	2017	2011

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