Celeron G5920 vs Core i5-3230M

Intel

Celeron G5920

2 Cores2 Thrd58 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2020
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-3230M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Celeron G5920 vs Core i5-3230M 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 G5920 vs Core i5-3230M 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 G5920 vs Core i5-3230M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron G5920

2020

Why buy it

  • +33.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Costs $173 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Delivers 334.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.6 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • Draws 58W instead of 512W, a 454W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i5-3230M

2013

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (565 vs 756).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,128 vs 1,248).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.4 vs 49.6 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
  • 782.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 58W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron G5920 better than Core i5-3230M?
Yes. Celeron G5920 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 10.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.5% 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 G5920 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 G5920 is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Celeron G5920 is the better buy right now. Celeron G5920 comes in $173 cheaper on MSRP at $52 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 334.7% better value on MSRP (49.6 vs 11.4 PassMark/$), 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 G5920 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2013) 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 G5920 vs Core i5-3230M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G5920

The Celeron G5920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 58 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 2,577 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i5-3230M

The Core i5-3230M 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,565 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The Celeron G5920 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-3230M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Celeron G5920 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M — a 9% clock advantage for the Celeron G5920 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Celeron G5920 uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3230M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G5920 scores 2,577 against the Core i5-3230M's 2,565 — a 0.5% lead for the Celeron G5920. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 756 vs 565, a 28.9% lead for the Celeron G5920 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,248 vs 1,128 (10.1% advantage for the Celeron G5920). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G5920 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3230M.

FeatureCeleron G5920Core i5-3230M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+9%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+35%
2.6 GHz
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark
2,577
2,565
Geekbench 6 Single
756+34%
565
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,248+11%
1,128
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G5920 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3230M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Celeron G5920 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-3230M — the Celeron G5920 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G5920 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 G5920) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3230M).

FeatureCeleron G5920Core i5-3230M
Socket
LGA1200
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+67%
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+300%
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 G5920) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3230M). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 610 (Celeron G5920) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3230M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G5920 targets Budget, Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Celeron G5920 rivals Pentium Gold G6405; Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

FeatureCeleron G5920Core i5-3230M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 610
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G5920 was priced at $52, while the Core i5-3230M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($52 vs $225), Celeron G5920 was $173 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G5920 delivers 49.6 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3230M — making the Celeron G5920 the 125.2% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G5920Core i5-3230M
MSRP
$52-77%
$225
Performance per Dollar
49.6+335%
11.4
Release Date
2020
2013

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