Phenom X4 9600B vs Celeron G3900TE
Phenom X4 9600B
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 Phenom X4 9600B is positioned at rank 1055 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 Phenom X4 9600B
Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3900TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X4 9600B | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X4 9600B | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+124%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($20) | ⚠️ 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 Phenom X4 9600B and Celeron G3900TE
Phenom X4 9600B
The Phenom X4 9600B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $149.
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 Phenom X4 9600B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Celeron G3900TE offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Phenom X4 9600B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X4 9600B versus 2.3 GHz on the Celeron G3900TE — identical boost frequencies. The Phenom X4 9600B uses the Agena (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Celeron G3900TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X4 9600B scores 1,842 against the Celeron G3900TE's 1,850 — a 0.4% lead for the Celeron G3900TE. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9600B vs 2 MB on the Celeron G3900TE.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.3 GHz | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 2 MB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 512 kB |
| Process | 65 nm | 14 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Agena (2007−2008) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 1,842 | 1,850 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 514 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 903 |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X4 9600B uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron G3900TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9600B versus DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900TE — the Celeron G3900TE supports 66.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3900TE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Phenom X4 9600B) vs 16 (Celeron G3900TE) — the Celeron G3900TE offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-1066 | DDR4-2133+100% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 64 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Phenom X4 9600B) vs VT-x, VT-d (Celeron G3900TE). The Celeron G3900TE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 510), while the Phenom X4 9600B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom X4 9600B targets Business, Celeron G3900TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900TE rivals Pentium G4400T.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 510 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Business | Embedded |
Value Analysis
The Phenom X4 9600B launched at $278 MSRP, while the Celeron G3900TE debuted at $42. At current prices ($20 vs $45), the Phenom X4 9600B is $25 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom X4 9600B delivers 92.1 pts/$ vs 41.1 pts/$ for the Celeron G3900TE — making the Phenom X4 9600B the 76.6% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9600B | Celeron G3900TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $278 | $42-85% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-56% | $45 |
| Performance per Dollar | 92.1+124% | 41.1 |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2015 |
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