Core i3-2100 vs Celeron G3900TE
Core i3-2100
Celeron G3900TE
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2100 is positioned at rank 885 and the Celeron G3900TE is on rank 467, so the Celeron G3900TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2100
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3900TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2100 | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2100 | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+351%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2100 and Celeron G3900TE
Core i3-2100
The Core i3-2100 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 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,856 points. Launch price was $73.
Celeron G3900TE
The Celeron G3900TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,850 points. Launch price was $42.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2100 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G3900TE's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2100 versus 2.3 GHz on the Celeron G3900TE — a 29.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-2100. The Core i3-2100 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron G3900TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2100 scores 1,856 against the Celeron G3900TE's 1,850 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-2100. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2100 vs 2 MB on the Celeron G3900TE.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+35% | 2.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.1 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 1,856 | 1,850 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 514 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 903 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2100 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3900TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-2100) / VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900TE). The Celeron G3900TE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Core i3-2100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900TE rivals Pentium G4400T.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 510 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-2100 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Celeron G3900TE debuted at $42. At current prices ($10 vs $45), the Core i3-2100 is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2100 delivers 185.6 pts/$ vs 41.1 pts/$ for the Celeron G3900TE — making the Core i3-2100 the 127.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-2100 | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117 | $42-64% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10-78% | $45 |
| Performance per Dollar | 185.6+352% | 41.1 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2015 |
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