Celeron G555 vs Pentium 2020M

Intel

Celeron G555

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium 2020M

2 Cores2 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Celeron G555 vs Pentium 2020M 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 G555 vs Pentium 2020M 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 G555 vs Pentium 2020M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G555

2012

Why buy it

  • +1.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $82 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
  • Delivers 160.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.4 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Pentium 2020M.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Pentium 2020M

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (391 vs 398).
    • Lower Geekbench multi-core (667 vs 742).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.5 vs 27.4 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
    • 687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.
    • No boxed cooler included, unlike Celeron G555.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Celeron G555 better than Pentium 2020M?
    Yes. Celeron G555 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 11.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.1% higher 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 G555 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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, Celeron G555 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Celeron G555 is the better buy right now. Celeron G555 comes in $82 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 160.4% better value on MSRP (27.4 vs 10.5 PassMark/$), 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 G555 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Celeron G555 vs Pentium 2020M Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron G555

    The Celeron G555 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,427 points. Launch price was $89.

    Intel

    Pentium 2020M

    The Pentium 2020M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,412 points. Launch price was $134.

    Processing Power

    Both the Celeron G555 and Pentium 2020M share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G555 versus 2.4 GHz on the Pentium 2020M — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Celeron G555 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Celeron G555 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium 2020M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G555 scores 1,427 against the Pentium 2020M's 1,412 — a 1.1% lead for the Celeron G555. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 398 vs 391, a 1.8% lead for the Celeron G555 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 742 vs 667 (10.6% advantage for the Celeron G555). Both processors carry 2 MB (total) of L3 cache.

    FeatureCeleron G555Pentium 2020M
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 2
    Boost Clock
    2.7 GHz+13%
    2.4 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.7 GHz+13%
    2.4 GHz
    L3 Cache
    2 MB (total)
    2 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    256K (per core)
    Process
    32 nm
    22 nm-31%
    Architecture
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    PassMark
    1,427+1%
    1,412
    Geekbench 6 Single
    398+2%
    391
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    742+11%
    667
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron G555 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 2020M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G555 versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium 2020M — the Pentium 2020M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Celeron G555) and HM70,HM75,HM76,HM77 (Pentium 2020M).

    FeatureCeleron G555Pentium 2020M
    Socket
    LGA1155
    PGA988
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 2.0
    PCIe 3.0+50%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1333
    DDR3-1600+20%
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G555) vs VT-x / EPT (Pentium 2020M). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron G555) and Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge) (Pentium 2020M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G555 targets Desktop, Pentium 2020M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G555 rivals Pentium G630.

    FeatureCeleron G555Pentium 2020M
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
    Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
    Unlocked
    No
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    VT-x / EPT
    Target Use
    Desktop
    Budget
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron G555 was priced at $52, while the Pentium 2020M came in at $134. On launch pricing ($52 vs $134), Celeron G555 was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G555 delivers 27.4 pts/$ vs 10.5 pts/$ for the Pentium 2020M — making the Celeron G555 the 89% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron G555Pentium 2020M
    MSRP
    $52-61%
    $134
    Performance per Dollar
    27.4+161%
    10.5
    Release Date
    2012
    2012

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