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 i7-860S 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 i7-860S: 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 $247 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
✅Delivers 478.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 82W, a 31W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 610, while Core i7-860S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-860S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,100 vs 1,332).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-860S.

Core i7-860S

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron G3950.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.8 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
❌60.8% higher power demand at 82W vs 51W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3950 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860S better than Celeron G3950?

Yes. Core i7-860S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 21.1% better Geekbench multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-860S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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 i7-860S is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.1% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i7-860S is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-860S comes in 475.0% more expensive on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $52 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3950 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 478.0% better value on paper (44.9 vs 7.8 PassMark/$), 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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3950 vs Core i7-860S 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 i7-860S

The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3950 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-860S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S — a 14.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S (base: 3 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Celeron G3950 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-860S uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3950 scores 2,336 against the Core i7-860S's 2,324 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron G3950. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 750 vs 451, a 49.8% lead for the Celeron G3950 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,100 vs 1,332 (19.1% advantage for the Core i7-860S). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-860S
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.46 GHz+15%
Base Clock	3 GHz+19%	2.53 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 (2016−2019)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,336	2,324
Geekbench 6 Single	750+66%	451
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	1,332+21%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3950 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-860S uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3950 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S — the Celeron G3950 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3950 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 G3950) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-860S).

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-860S
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

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3950) vs Yes (Core i7-860S). The Celeron G3950 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Core i7-860S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-860S
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 610	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	Yes
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3950 was priced at $52, while the Core i7-860S came in at $299. On launch pricing ($52 vs $299), Celeron G3950 was $247 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3950 delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 7.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-860S — making the Celeron G3950 the 141% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-860S
MSRP	$52-83%	$299
Performance per Dollar	44.9+476%	7.8
Release Date	2017	2010

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