Celeron N4120 vs Core i5-2390T

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 N4120 vs Core i5-2390T 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 N4120 vs Core i5-2390T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N4120

2019

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 4W instead of 35W, a 31W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,463 vs 2,491).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2390T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2390T.

Core i5-2390T

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Celeron N4120 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron N4120.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Celeron N4120 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌775% higher power demand at 35W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2390T better than Celeron N4120?

Yes. Core i5-2390T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2390T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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, Core i5-2390T is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2390T is the better buy right now. Core i5-2390T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $182 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 N4120 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 N4120 vs Core i5-2390T Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N4120

The Celeron N4120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 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: 2,463 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-2390T

The Core i5-2390T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,491 points. Launch price was $100.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N4120 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2390T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N4120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4120 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2390T — a 29.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2390T (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Celeron N4120 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2390T uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4120 scores 2,463 against the Core i5-2390T's 2,491 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2390T. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4120 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2390T.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Core i5-2390T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.5 GHz+35%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.7 GHz+145%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,463	2,491+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	614

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4120 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2390T uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Core i5-2390T
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 N4120) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2390T). The Core i5-2390T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Celeron N4120 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2390T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2390T rivals A8-3800.