Celeron G3950 vs Core m5-6Y57

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 m5-6Y57 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 m5-6Y57: 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 $229 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 439.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 610, while Core m5-6Y57 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,336 vs 2,342).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1033.3% higher power demand at 51W vs 4.5W.

Core m5-6Y57

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 51W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.3 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G3950 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G3950 better than Core m5-6Y57?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G3950 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, Core m5-6Y57 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core m5-6Y57 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core m5-6Y57 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Celeron G3950 is the better buy right now. Celeron G3950 comes in $229 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core m5-6Y57 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 439.0% better value on MSRP (44.9 vs 8.3 PassMark/$), 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 G3950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3950 vs Core m5-6Y57 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 m5-6Y57

The Core m5-6Y57 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,342 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G3950 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core m5-6Y57's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core m5-6Y57 — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Celeron G3950 (base: 3 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Celeron G3950 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3950 scores 2,336 against the Core m5-6Y57's 2,342 — a 0.3% lead for the Core m5-6Y57. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core m5-6Y57.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core m5-6Y57
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+173%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,336	2,342
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 m5-6Y57 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core m5-6Y57
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1515
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 m5-6Y57). The Celeron G3950 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Core m5-6Y57 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core m5-6Y57
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 m5-6Y57 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($52 vs $281), Celeron G3950 was $229 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3950 delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 8.3 pts/$ for the Core m5-6Y57 — making the Celeron G3950 the 137.4% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core m5-6Y57
MSRP	$52-81%	$281
Performance per Dollar	44.9+441%	8.3
Release Date	2017	2015

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