Celeron G4900 vs Core i5-661

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 i5-661 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 i5-661: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $154 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Delivers 363.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 56.4 vs 12.2 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 87W, a 33W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,370 vs 2,387).

Core i5-661

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.2 vs 56.4 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌61.1% higher power demand at 87W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G4900 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-661 better than Celeron G4900?

Yes. Core i5-661 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 i5-661 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 i5-661 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-661 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-661 comes in 366.7% more expensive on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G4900 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 363.3% better value on paper (56.4 vs 12.2 PassMark/$), 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 2010) and 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G4900 vs Core i5-661 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-661

The Core i5-661 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G4900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-661's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Celeron G4900 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Celeron G4900 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-661 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G4900 scores 2,370 against the Core i5-661's 2,387 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-661. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-661
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.6 GHz+16%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.33 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+50%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,370	2,387
Geekbench 6 Single	850	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,550	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G4900 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-661 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-661
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
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 G4900) / not specified (Core i5-661). The Celeron G4900 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Core i5-661 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4900 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G4900 rivals Pentium G5400.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-661
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 610	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G4900 was priced at $42, while the Core i5-661 came in at $196. On launch pricing ($42 vs $196), Celeron G4900 was $154 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G4900 delivers 56.4 pts/$ vs 12.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-661 — making the Celeron G4900 the 129% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Core i5-661
MSRP	$42-79%	$196
Performance per Dollar	56.4+362%	12.2
Release Date	2018	2010

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