Celeron G5905T vs Core i3-3240

Intel

Celeron G5905T

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WW2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-3240

2 Cores4 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Celeron G5905T vs Core i3-3240 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 G5905T vs Core i3-3240 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 G5905T vs Core i3-3240: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G5905T

2020

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Costs $82 less on MSRP ($50 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
  • Delivers 164.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 47.1 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($50 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (2,352 vs 2,356).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.8 vs 47.1 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $50 MSRP).
    • 57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Celeron G5905T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Celeron G5905T better than Core i3-3240?
    Yes. Celeron G5905T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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 G5905T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 G5905T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Celeron G5905T is the better buy right now. Celeron G5905T comes in $82 cheaper on MSRP at $50 MSRP versus $132 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 164.4% better value on MSRP (47.1 vs 17.8 PassMark/$), 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 G5905T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), 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 G5905T vs Core i3-3240 Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    Celeron G5905T

    The Celeron G5905T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 2,356 points. Launch price was $69.

    Intel

    Core i3-3240

    The Core i3-3240 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

    Processing Power

    The Celeron G5905T packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-3240's 2 cores. The Core i3-3240 is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron G5905T scores 2,356 against the Core i3-3240's 2,352 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron G5905T. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Celeron G5905T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240.

    FeatureCeleron G5905TCore i3-3240
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.4 GHz
    Base Clock
    3.3 GHz
    3.4 GHz+3%
    L3 Cache
    4 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33%
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    14 nm-36%
    22 nm
    Architecture
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    PassMark
    2,356
    2,352
    Geekbench 6 Single
    748
    Geekbench 6 Multi
    750
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Celeron G5905T uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-3240 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCeleron G5905TCore i3-3240
    Socket
    LGA1200
    LGA1155
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR4-2666
    Max RAM Capacity
    128 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    Yes
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron G5905T) / not specified (Core i3-3240). The Celeron G5905T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 610), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5905T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G5905T rivals Pentium Gold G6405T.

    FeatureCeleron G5905TCore i3-3240
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    UHD Graphics 610
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Budget
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Celeron G5905T was priced at $50, while the Core i3-3240 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($50 vs $132), Celeron G5905T was $82 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G5905T delivers 47.1 pts/$ vs 17.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-3240 — making the Celeron G5905T the 90.2% better value option.

    FeatureCeleron G5905TCore i3-3240
    MSRP
    $50-62%
    $132
    Performance per Dollar
    47.1+165%
    17.8
    Release Date
    2020
    2012

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