CPU
GPU
Core i3-3240
Celeron G3950
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 i3-3240 is positioned at rank 847 and the Celeron G3950 is on rank 457, so the Celeron G3950 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3240
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3950
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-3240 | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-3240 | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+101%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) |
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 i3-3240 and Celeron G3950
Core i3-3240
The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) 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: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.
Celeron G3950
The Celeron G3950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 points. Launch price was $52.
Processing Power
The Core i3-3240 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G3950's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-3240 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Celeron G3950 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Celeron G3950's 2,336 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3240. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+13% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+13% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total)+50% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 2,352 | 2,336 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 750 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,100 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron G3950 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240) / VT-x (Celeron G3950). The Celeron G3950 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 610), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 610 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-3240 launched at $132 MSRP, while the Celeron G3950 debuted at $52. At current prices ($15 vs $30), the Core i3-3240 is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240 delivers 156.8 pts/$ vs 77.9 pts/$ for the Celeron G3950 — making the Core i3-3240 the 67.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-3240 | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $132 | $52-61% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-50% | $30 |
| Performance per Dollar | 156.8+101% | 77.9 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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