Celeron G4900 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2

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 Xeon E3-1220L v2 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 Xeon E3-1220L v2: 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+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 610, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,370 vs 2,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E3-1220L v2, which brings 2 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1220L v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌217.6% higher power demand at 54W vs 17W.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

2012

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 2 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 17W instead of 54W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G4900 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon E3-1220L v2 better than Celeron G4900?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220L v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron G4900 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon E3-1220L v2 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, Xeon E3-1220L v2 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Xeon E3-1220L v2 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon E3-1220L v2 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G4900 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (56.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G4900 vs Xeon E3-1220L v2 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.

Xeon E3-1220L v2

The Xeon E3-1220L v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,397 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G4900 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220L v2's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Celeron G4900 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220L v2 — a 12.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220L v2 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Celeron G4900 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G4900 scores 2,370 against the Xeon E3-1220L v2's 2,397 — a 1.1% lead for the Xeon E3-1220L v2. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220L v2.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Xeon E3-1220L v2
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.5 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+35%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,370	2,397+1%
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 Xeon E3-1220L v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G4900	Xeon E3-1220L v2
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 G4900) / not specified (Xeon E3-1220L v2). The Celeron G4900 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Xeon E3-1220L v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4900 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G4900 rivals Pentium G5400.