Celeron G4930T vs Core i3-3220

Intel

Celeron G4930T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 3 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-3220

2 Cores4 Thrd0 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Celeron G4930T vs Core i3-3220 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 G4930T vs Core i3-3220 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 G4930T vs Core i3-3220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G4930T

2019

Why buy it

  • +19.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $75 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Delivers 179.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 54.5 vs 19.5 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220.

Core i3-3220

2012

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron G4930T.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (503 vs 599).
  • Lower PassMark (2,276 vs 2,287).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.5 vs 54.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G4930T better than Core i3-3220?
Yes. Celeron G4930T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Celeron G4930T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Celeron G4930T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G4930T is the better buy right now. Celeron G4930T comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 179.9% better value on MSRP (54.5 vs 19.5 PassMark/$), 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 G4930T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron G4930T vs Core i3-3220 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G4930T

The Celeron G4930T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,287 points. Launch price was $42.

Intel

Core i3-3220

The Core i3-3220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $117.

Processing Power

The Celeron G4930T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3220's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron G4930T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3220 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Celeron G4930T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-3220 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G4930T scores 2,287 against the Core i3-3220's 2,276 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron G4930T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 599 vs 503, a 17.4% lead for the Celeron G4930T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G4930T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220.

FeatureCeleron G4930TCore i3-3220
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3 GHz
3.3 GHz+10%
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.3 GHz+10%
L3 Cache
2 MB
3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
2,287
2,276
Geekbench 6 Single
599+19%
503
Geekbench 6 Multi
927
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G4930T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3220 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G4930T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220 — the Celeron G4930T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G4930T 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. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,B365,H370,Z370,Z390 (Celeron G4930T) and B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220).

FeatureCeleron G4930TCore i3-3220
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. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G4930T) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G4930T) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3220) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4930T targets Budget, Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G4930T rivals Pentium G5420T; Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300.

FeatureCeleron G4930TCore i3-3220
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 610
HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Budget
Budget Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G4930T was priced at $42, while the Core i3-3220 came in at $117. On launch pricing ($42 vs $117), Celeron G4930T was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G4930T delivers 54.5 pts/$ vs 19.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-3220 — making the Celeron G4930T the 94.7% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G4930TCore i3-3220
MSRP
$42-64%
$117
Performance per Dollar
54.5+179%
19.5
Release Date
2019
2012

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