Celeron N4020 vs Core i3-2340UE

Intel

Celeron N4020

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2340UE

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2011

Celeron N4020 vs Core i3-2340UE 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 N4020 vs Core i3-2340UE 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 N4020 vs Core i3-2340UE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N4020

2019

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Draws 4W instead of 17W, a 13W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-2340UE across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,535 vs 1,545).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2340UE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2340UE

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Celeron N4020 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $200 MSRP, while Celeron N4020 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 325% higher power demand at 17W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2340UE better than Celeron N4020?
Yes. Core i3-2340UE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2340UE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.0% more average FPS across 48 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2340UE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-2340UE is the better buy right now. Core i3-2340UE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $200 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 N4020 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4020 vs Core i3-2340UE Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron N4020

The Celeron N4020 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 1,535 points. Launch price was $69.

Intel

Core i3-2340UE

The Core i3-2340UE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,545 points. Launch price was $250.

Processing Power

The Celeron N4020 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2340UE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N4020 versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2340UE — a 73.2% clock advantage for the Celeron N4020. The Celeron N4020 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2340UE uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4020 scores 1,535 against the Core i3-2340UE's 1,545 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-2340UE. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4020 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2340UE.

FeatureCeleron N4020Core i3-2340UE
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+115%
1.3 GHz
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB+33%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4 MB
256K (per core)+6300%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,535
1,545
Geekbench 6 Single
230
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4020 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2340UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron N4020Core i3-2340UE
Socket
FCBGA1090
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N4020) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2340UE). The Core i3-2340UE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Celeron N4020 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2340UE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-2340UE rivals Embedded G-Series.

FeatureCeleron N4020Core i3-2340UE
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
Target Use
Embedded