Celeron G4900T vs Core i5-3427U

Intel

Celeron G4900T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2018
VS
Intel

Core i5-3427U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2012

Celeron G4900T vs Core i5-3427U 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 G4900T vs Core i5-3427U 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 G4900T vs Core i5-3427U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G4900T

2018

Why buy it

  • βœ…Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (2,239 vs 2,252).
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $42 MSRP, while Core i5-3427U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-3427U

2012

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.6% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G4900T better than Core i5-3427U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G4900T is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3427U pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i5-3427U also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3427U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G4900T is the better buy right now. Celeron G4900T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $42 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3427U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (53.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 G4900T 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 G4900T vs Core i5-3427U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G4900T

The Celeron G4900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017βˆ’2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,239 points. Launch price was $42.

Intel

Core i5-3427U

The Core i5-3427U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,252 points. Launch price was $225.

⚑

Processing Power

The Celeron G4900T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3427U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Celeron G4900T versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-3427U β€” a 3.5% clock advantage for the Celeron G4900T (base: 2.9 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Celeron G4900T uses the Coffee Lake (2017βˆ’2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3427U uses Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G4900T scores 2,239 against the Core i5-3427U's 2,252 β€” a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-3427U. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G4900T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3427U.

FeatureCeleron G4900TCore i5-3427U
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz+4%
2.8 GHz
Base Clock
2.9 GHz+61%
1.8 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017βˆ’2019)
Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013)
PassMark
2,239
2,252
Geekbench 6 Single
623
β€”
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,040
β€”
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G4900T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3427U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G4900T versus 1600 on the Core i5-3427U β€” the Celeron G4900T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G4900T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,B365,H370,Z370,Z390 (Celeron G4900T) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3427U).

FeatureCeleron G4900TCore i5-3427U
Socket
LGA1151
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+50%
1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G4900T) vs true (Core i5-3427U). Both include integrated graphics β€” UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G4900T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3427U) β€” useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4900T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G4900T rivals Pentium G5400T; Core i5-3427U rivals AMD A8-4555M.

FeatureCeleron G4900TCore i5-3427U
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 610
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Budget
β€”