Celeron N4120 vs Core i5-4300U

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 i5-4300U 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 i5-4300U: 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 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,463 vs 2,482).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4300U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4300U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Celeron N4120 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌12700% higher power demand at 512W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4300U better than Celeron N4120?

Yes. Core i5-4300U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4300U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i5-4300U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4300U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4300U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N4120 vs Core i5-4300U 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 i5-4300U

The Core i5-4300U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,482 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N4120 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4300U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N4120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4120 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4300U — a 10.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-4300U (base: 1.1 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Celeron N4120 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4300U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4120 scores 2,463 against the Core i5-4300U's 2,482 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-4300U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4120 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4300U.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Core i5-4300U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	2.9 GHz+12%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	1.9 GHz+73%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	4 MB+700%	512 kB
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,463	2,482
Geekbench 6 Single	—	607
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,722

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4120 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4300U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Core i5-4300U
Socket	FCBGA1090	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N4120) / Yes (Core i5-4300U). The Core i5-4300U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Celeron N4120 requires a dedicated GPU.