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 G3950 vs Core i3-3240 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 G3950 vs Core i3-3240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G3950

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $80 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
✅Delivers 152.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 55W, a 4W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 610, while Core i3-3240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,336 vs 2,352).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3950 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Celeron G3950?

Yes. Core i3-3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i3-3240 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% 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 i3-3240 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3240 comes in 153.8% more expensive on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $52 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3950 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 152.1% better value on paper (44.9 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), 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 G3950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3950 vs Core i3-3240 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3950

The Celeron G3950 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 points. Launch price was $52.

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3950 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Celeron G3950 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-3240 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3950 scores 2,336 against the Core i3-3240's 2,352 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3240. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i3-3240
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.4 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,336	2,352
Geekbench 6 Single	750	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3950 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i3-3240
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G3950) / not specified (Core i3-3240). The Celeron G3950 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i3-3240
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 610	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3950 was priced at $52, while the Core i3-3240 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($52 vs $132), Celeron G3950 was $80 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3950 delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240 — making the Celeron G3950 the 86.4% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i3-3240
MSRP	$52-61%	$132
Performance per Dollar	44.9+152%	17.8
Release Date	2017	2012

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