Celeron N4000 vs Pentium G850

Intel

Celeron N4000

2 Cores2 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2017
VS
Intel

Pentium G850

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2011

Celeron N4000 vs Pentium G850 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 N4000 vs Pentium G850 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 N4000 vs Pentium G850: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N4000

2017

Why buy it

  • βœ…+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • βœ…Draws 6W instead of 65W, a 59W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,472 vs 1,491).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.8 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Pentium G850

2011

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $21 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 26.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.3 vs 13.8 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • ❌983.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G850 better than Celeron N4000?
Yes. Pentium G850 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Pentium G850 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G850 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium G850 is the better buy right now. Pentium G850 comes in $21 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 26.0% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 13.8 PassMark/$), 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 N4000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4000 vs Pentium G850 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron N4000

The Celeron N4000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2017 (7 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,472 points. Launch price was $107.

Intel

Pentium G850

The Pentium G850 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,491 points. Launch price was $27.

⚑

Processing Power

Both the Celeron N4000 and Pentium G850 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4000 versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G850 β€” a 10.9% clock advantage for the Pentium G850 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Celeron N4000 uses the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium G850 uses Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4000 scores 1,472 against the Pentium G850's 1,491 β€” a 1.3% lead for the Pentium G850. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4000 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G850.

FeatureCeleron N4000Pentium G850
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.6 GHz
2.9 GHz+12%
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
2.9 GHz+164%
L3 Cache
4 MB+33%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB+1500%
256 kB (per core)
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Goldmont Plus (2017)
Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013)
PassMark
1,472
1,491+1%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4000 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G850 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron N4000Pentium G850
Socket
FCBGA1090
LGA1155
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron N4000 was priced at $107, while the Pentium G850 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($107 vs $86), Pentium G850 was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron N4000 delivers 13.8 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G850 β€” making the Pentium G850 the 23% better value option.

FeatureCeleron N4000Pentium G850
MSRP
$107
$86-20%
Performance per Dollar
13.8
17.3+25%
Release Date
2017
2011

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