Celeron N4000 vs Pentium G860

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 G860 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 G860: 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

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 256W, a 250W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,472 vs 1,485).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.8 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium G860 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium G860

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $21 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
✅Delivers 25.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.3 vs 13.8 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Celeron N4000 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌4166.7% higher power demand at 256W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G860 better than Celeron N4000?

Yes. Pentium G860 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G860 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 G860 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G860 is the better buy right now. Pentium G860 comes in $21 cheaper on MSRP at $86 MSRP versus $107 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 25.5% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 13.8 PassMark/$), 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 G860 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium G860

The Pentium G860 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,485 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

Both the Celeron N4000 and Pentium G860 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4000 versus 3 GHz on the Pentium G860 — a 14.3% clock advantage for the Pentium G860 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Celeron N4000 uses the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium G860 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4000 scores 1,472 against the Pentium G860's 1,485 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium G860. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4000 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G860.

Feature	Celeron N4000	Pentium G860
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3 GHz+15%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	3 GHz+173%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB	256K (per core)+6300%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont Plus (2017)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,472	1,485

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4000 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G860 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N4000	Pentium G860
Socket	FCBGA1090	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N4000) / VT-x (Pentium G860). The Pentium G860 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Celeron N4000 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G860 targets Desktop.

Feature	Celeron N4000	Pentium G860
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron N4000 was priced at $107, while the Pentium G860 came in at $86. On launch pricing ($107 vs $86), Pentium G860 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 G860 — making the Pentium G860 the 22.6% better value option.

Feature	Celeron N4000	Pentium G860
MSRP	$107	$86-20%
Performance per Dollar	13.8	17.3+25%
Release Date	2017	2011

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