Celeron N5100 vs Core i3-4130

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 N5100 vs Core i3-4130 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 N5100 vs Core i3-4130: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N5100

2021

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 6W instead of 54W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-4130 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,305 vs 3,334).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4130 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130.

Core i3-4130

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Celeron N5100 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Celeron N5100.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Celeron N5100 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌800% higher power demand at 54W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4130 better than Celeron N5100?

Yes. Core i3-4130 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4130 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.9% 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 i3-4130 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4130 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4130 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (28.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 N5100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N5100 vs Core i3-4130 Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N5100

The Celeron N5100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Jasper Lake (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.5 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1338. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,305 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-4130

The Core i3-4130 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,334 points. Launch price was $120.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N5100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4130 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron N5100 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N5100 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-4130 — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-4130 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Celeron N5100 uses the Jasper Lake (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i3-4130 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N5100 scores 3,305 against the Core i3-4130's 3,334 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-4130. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Celeron N5100 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130.

Feature	Celeron N5100	Core i3-4130
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	3.4 GHz+21%
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	3.4 GHz+209%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.5 MB (total)+500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Jasper Lake (2021)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,305	3,334
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	2,036
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,046

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N5100 uses the BGA1338 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-4130 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N5100	Core i3-4130
Socket	BGA1338	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Celeron N5100) / VT-x (Core i3-4130). The Core i3-4130 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Celeron N5100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130 rivals FX-4130.