Celeron J3160 vs Pentium J2900

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 J3160 vs Pentium J2900 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 J3160 vs Pentium J2900: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron J3160

2016

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 400, while Pentium J2900 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,250 vs 1,254).
❌200% higher power demand at 6W vs 2W.

Pentium J2900

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 6W, a 4W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $94 MSRP, while Celeron J3160 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron J3160 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium J2900 better than Celeron J3160?

Yes. Pentium J2900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium J2900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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, Pentium J2900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Pentium J2900 is the better buy right now. Pentium J2900 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $94 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 J3160 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron J3160 vs Pentium J2900 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron J3160

The Celeron J3160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Airmont (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.24 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,250 points. Launch price was $107.

Pentium J2900

The Pentium J2900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-D (2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.41 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,254 points. Launch price was $94.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron J3160 and Pentium J2900 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.24 GHz on the Celeron J3160 versus 2.66 GHz on the Pentium J2900 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Pentium J2900 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.41 GHz). The Celeron J3160 uses the Airmont (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium J2900 uses Bay Trail-D (2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron J3160 scores 1,250 against the Pentium J2900's 1,254 — a 0.3% lead for the Pentium J2900. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron J3160 vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium J2900.

Feature	Celeron J3160	Pentium J2900
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.24 GHz	2.66 GHz+19%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.41 GHz+51%
L3 Cache	0 kB	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Airmont (2016)	Bay Trail-D (2013)
PassMark	1,250	1,254
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1170 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Celeron J3160	Pentium J2900
Socket	FCBGA1170	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	4	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Celeron J3160) / not specified (Pentium J2900). The Celeron J3160 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 400), while the Pentium J2900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron J3160 targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Celeron J3160 rivals Pentium J3710.