Celeron N4020 vs Phenom II X4 P960

Celeron N4020 vs Phenom II X4 P960 Performance Spectrum

Celeron N4020

2 / 2

1,535

0.0%

1,542

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 Phenom II X4 P960 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 Phenom II X4 P960: 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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X4 P960 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,535 vs 1,542).
❌100% higher power demand at 4W vs 2W.

Phenom II X4 P960

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 2W instead of 4W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 P960 better than Celeron N4020?

Yes. Phenom II X4 P960 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 P960 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.7% 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, Phenom II X4 P960 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II X4 P960 still makes the most sense overall. Phenom II X4 P960 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4020 vs Phenom II X4 P960 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Phenom II X4 P960

The Phenom II X4 P960 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.8 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1g4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,542 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N4020 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Phenom II X4 P960 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 P960 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N4020 versus 1.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 P960 — a 43.5% clock advantage for the Celeron N4020. The Celeron N4020 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Phenom II X4 P960 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4020 scores 1,535 against the Phenom II X4 P960's 1,542 — a 0.5% lead for the Phenom II X4 P960.

Feature	Celeron N4020	Phenom II X4 P960
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+56%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB	—
L2 Cache	4 MB+100%	2 MB
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,535	1,542

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4020 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 P960 uses S1g4 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.