Celeron N4020C vs Core i3-2340UE

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 N4020C 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 N4020C 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 N4020C

2021

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 17W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-2340UE across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,537 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 N4020C needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $200 MSRP, while Celeron N4020C mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌183.3% higher power demand at 17W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2340UE better than Celeron N4020C?

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 0.5% 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 0.5% 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 N4020C makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2011) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4020C vs Core i3-2340UE Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N4020C

The Celeron N4020C is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4/LPDDR4 up to 2400 MT/s. Passmark benchmark score: 1,537 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N4020C packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2340UE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N4020C versus 1.3 GHz on the Core i3-2340UE — a 73.2% clock advantage for the Celeron N4020C. The Core i3-2340UE is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Celeron N4020C scores 1,537 against the Core i3-2340UE's 1,545 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-2340UE. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4020C vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2340UE.

Feature	Celeron N4020C	Core 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	—	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,537	1,545
Geekbench 6 Single	—	230

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4020C uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-2340UE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N4020C	Core i3-2340UE
Socket	FCBGA1090	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N4020C) / VT-x, EPT (Core i3-2340UE). The Core i3-2340UE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Celeron N4020C requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2340UE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-2340UE rivals Embedded G-Series.