Celeron M 900 vs Pentium G3260

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 M 900 vs Pentium G3260 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 M 900 vs Pentium G3260: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron M 900

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 53W, a 52W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,101 vs 2,116).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.4 vs 33.1 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G3260

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $22 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
✅Delivers 35.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.1 vs 24.4 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌5200% higher power demand at 53W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3260 better than Celeron M 900?

Yes. Pentium G3260 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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, Pentium G3260 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, Pentium G3260 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3260 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3260 comes in $22 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 35.3% better value on MSRP (33.1 vs 24.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium G3260 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron M 900 vs Pentium G3260 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron M 900

The Celeron M 900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 2,101 points. Launch price was $70.

Pentium G3260

The Pentium G3260 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: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,116 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Celeron M 900 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Pentium G3260 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Pentium G3260 has 1 more core. The Celeron M 900 is built on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron M 900 scores 2,101 against the Pentium G3260's 2,116 — a 0.7% lead for the Pentium G3260.

Feature	Celeron M 900	Pentium G3260
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	2 / 2+100%
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	—
Base Clock	—	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	—
PassMark	2,101	2,116

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron M 900 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Pentium G3260 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron M 900	Pentium G3260
Socket	PGA478	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 3.0+173%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron M 900 was priced at $86, while the Pentium G3260 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($86 vs $64), Pentium G3260 was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron M 900 delivers 24.4 pts/$ vs 33.1 pts/$ for the Pentium G3260 — making the Pentium G3260 the 30% better value option.

Feature	Celeron M 900	Pentium G3260
MSRP	$86	$64-26%
Performance per Dollar	24.4	33.1+36%
Release Date	2009	2015

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