Celeron G5900T vs Core i3-3210

Intel

Celeron G5900T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WW2020
VS
Intel

Core i3-3210

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013

Celeron G5900T vs Core i3-3210 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 G5900T vs Core i3-3210 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 G5900T vs Core i3-3210: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G5900T

2020

Why buy it

  • +48.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $75 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Delivers 173.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 52.2 vs 19.1 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (750 vs 1,113).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3210.

Core i3-3210

2013

Why buy it

  • +48.4% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Celeron G5900T.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (505 vs 748).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.1 vs 52.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
  • 57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G5900T better than Core i3-3210?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Celeron G5900T 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 i3-3210 pulls ahead with 48.4% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i3-3210 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 i3-3210 is the stronger fit. You are getting 48.4% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 G5900T is the better buy right now. Celeron G5900T comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 42 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-3210 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 48.4% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 173.9% better value on MSRP (52.2 vs 19.1 PassMark/$), 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 G5900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G5900T vs Core i3-3210 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G5900T

The Celeron G5900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 2,192 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i3-3210

The Core i3-3210 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3072 kB (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: 2,229 points. Launch price was $120.

Processing Power

The Celeron G5900T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3210's 2 cores. The Core i3-3210 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G5900T scores 2,192 against the Core i3-3210's 2,229 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i3-3210. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 748 vs 505, a 38.8% lead for the Celeron G5900T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 750 vs 1,113 (39% advantage for the Core i3-3210). L3 cache: 2 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G5900T vs 3072 kB (total) on the Core i3-3210.

FeatureCeleron G5900TCore i3-3210
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB Intel® Smart Cache
3072 kB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
2,192
2,229+2%
Geekbench 6 Single
748+48%
505
Geekbench 6 Multi
750
1,113+48%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G5900T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3210 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Celeron G5900T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3210 — the Celeron G5900T supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G5900T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H410,B460,H470,Z490,H510,B560,H570,Z590 (Celeron G5900T) and B75,H77 (Core i3-3210).

FeatureCeleron G5900TCore i3-3210
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+67%
DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+300%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G5900T) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3210) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5900T targets Budget, Core i3-3210 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G5900T rivals Pentium Gold G6400T; Core i3-3210 rivals Ryzen 3 1200.

FeatureCeleron G5900TCore i3-3210
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 610
HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x
Target Use
Budget
Budget
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G5900T was priced at $42, while the Core i3-3210 came in at $117. On launch pricing ($42 vs $117), Celeron G5900T was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G5900T delivers 52.2 pts/$ vs 19.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-3210 — making the Celeron G5900T the 93% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G5900TCore i3-3210
MSRP
$42-64%
$117
Performance per Dollar
52.2+173%
19.1
Release Date
2020
2013

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