Celeron G4950 vs Xeon L3426

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 G4950 vs Xeon L3426 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 G4950 vs Xeon L3426: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G4950

2019

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 L3426 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L3426 across 38 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,714 vs 2,742).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L3426, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $52 MSRP, while Xeon L3426 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon L3426

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.7% higher average FPS across 38 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 54W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron G4950 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3426 better than Celeron G4950?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3426 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron G4950 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 L3426 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.7% more average FPS across 38 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L3426 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Xeon L3426 is still the better call for a fresh build. Xeon L3426 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $52 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.7% average FPS lead across 38 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G4950 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 2,714 PassMark with 2 cores and 2 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron G4950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G4950 vs Xeon L3426 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G4950

The Celeron G4950 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 2,714 points. Launch price was $52.

Xeon L3426

The Xeon L3426 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,742 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Celeron G4950 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Xeon L3426 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon L3426 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Celeron G4950 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon L3426 — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Celeron G4950 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Celeron G4950 is built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G4950 scores 2,714 against the Xeon L3426's 2,742 — a 1% lead for the Xeon L3426. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G4950 vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon L3426.

Feature	Celeron G4950	Xeon L3426
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+77%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+300%
L2 Cache	512 kB	—
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	—
PassMark	2,714	2,742+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	672	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,229	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G4950 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L3426 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron G4950	Xeon L3426
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 G4950) / not specified (Xeon L3426). The Celeron G4950 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Xeon L3426 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G4950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G4950 rivals Pentium G5420.