Celeron N4120 vs Xeon D-1602

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 Xeon D-1602 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 Xeon D-1602: 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

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 4W instead of 27W, a 23W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon D-1602

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,459 vs 2,463).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌575% higher power demand at 27W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N4120 better than Xeon D-1602?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1602 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron N4120 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Celeron N4120 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Celeron N4120 still makes the most sense overall. Celeron N4120 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron N4120 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron N4120 vs Xeon D-1602 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.

Xeon D-1602

The Xeon D-1602 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 27 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,459 points. Launch price was $106.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N4120 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon D-1602 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N4120 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Celeron N4120 versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon D-1602 — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Xeon D-1602 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Celeron N4120 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1602 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N4120 scores 2,463 against the Xeon D-1602's 2,459 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron N4120. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron N4120 vs 3 MB on the Xeon D-1602.

Feature	Celeron N4120	Xeon D-1602
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.5 GHz+127%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	4 MB+700%	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	2,463	2,459

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N4120 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1602 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.