Celeron G4900 vs Core i3-3245

Intel

Celeron G4900

2 Cores2 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-3245

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WW2013
Similar parts
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Celeron G4900 vs Core i3-3245 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 G4900 vs Core i3-3245 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 G4900 vs Core i3-3245: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G4900

2018

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $78 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
  • Delivers 180.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 56.4 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
  • Draws 54W instead of 55W, a 1W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,370 vs 2,412).

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 56.4 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i3-3245 better than Celeron G4900?
    Yes. Core i3-3245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i3-3245 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3245 comes in 185.7% more expensive on MSRP at $120 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G4900 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 180.7% better value on paper (56.4 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), 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 G4900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013) and 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Celeron G4900 vs Core i3-3245 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron G4900

    The Celeron G4900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,370 points. Launch price was $42.

    Intel

    Core i3-3245

    The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron G4900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3245's 2 cores. The Celeron G4900 is built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G4900 scores 2,370 against the Core i3-3245's 2,412 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245.

    FeatureCeleron G4900Core i3-3245
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.1 GHz
    3.4 GHz+10%
    L3 Cache
    6 MB (total)+100%
    3 MB Intel® Smart Cache
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    Process
    14 nm-36%
    22 nm
    Architecture
    Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
    PassMark
    2,370
    2,412+2%
    Geekbench 6 Single
    850
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    1,550
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron G4900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G4900 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 — the Celeron G4900 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G4900 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

    FeatureCeleron G4900Core i3-3245
    Socket
    LGA1151
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2400+50%
    DDR3-1600
    Max RAM Capacity
    64 GB+100%
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G4900) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4900 targets Budget, Core i3-3245 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G4900 rivals Pentium G5400.

    FeatureCeleron G4900Core i3-3245
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    UHD Graphics 610
    HD Graphics 4000
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Budget
    Desktop
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron G4900 was priced at $42, while the Core i3-3245 came in at $120. On launch pricing ($42 vs $120), Celeron G4900 was $78 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G4900 delivers 56.4 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-3245 — making the Celeron G4900 the 94.9% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron G4900Core i3-3245
    MSRP
    $42-65%
    $120
    Performance per Dollar
    56.4+181%
    20.1
    Release Date
    2018
    2013

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