Celeron N5100 vs Opteron X3421

Intel

Celeron N5100

4 Cores4 Thrd6 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2021
VS
AMD

Opteron X3421

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2017

Celeron N5100 vs Opteron X3421 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 Opteron X3421 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 Opteron X3421: 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

  • βœ…Draws 6W instead of 15W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Opteron X3421 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (3,305 vs 3,306).

Opteron X3421

2017

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • ❌150% higher power demand at 15W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron X3421 better than Celeron N5100?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron X3421 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Celeron N5100 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Opteron X3421 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% 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, Opteron X3421 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Opteron X3421 still makes the most sense overall. Opteron X3421 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
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 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron N5100 vs Opteron X3421 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Opteron X3421

The Opteron X3421 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Excavator (2017βˆ’2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,306 points. Launch price was $800.

⚑

Processing Power

Both the Celeron N5100 and Opteron X3421 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Celeron N5100 versus 3.4 GHz on the Opteron X3421 β€” a 19.4% clock advantage for the Opteron X3421 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Celeron N5100 uses the Jasper Lake (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Opteron X3421 uses Excavator (2017βˆ’2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N5100 scores 3,305 against the Opteron X3421's 3,306 β€” a 0% lead for the Opteron X3421.

FeatureCeleron N5100Opteron X3421
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz
3.4 GHz+21%
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
2.1 GHz+91%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
β€”
L2 Cache
1.5 MB (total)
2 MB (total)+33%
Process
10 nm-64%
28 nm
Architecture
Jasper Lake (2021)
Excavator (2017βˆ’2018)
PassMark
3,305
3,306
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron N5100 uses the BGA1338 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Opteron X3421 uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCeleron N5100Opteron X3421
Socket
BGA1338
FP4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0