Celeron 3965U
Intel
PassMark
1,753
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.
Overview
The Celeron 3965U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,753 points. Launch price was $107.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Celeron 3965U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Final Fantasy XIV
League of Legends
Marvel Rivals
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Celeron 3965U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Celeron 3965U is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,753, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 600, while multi-core reaches 1,200.
| Specification | Celeron 3965U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 2T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 2.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Kaby Lake-U (2017) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 98.7 mm2 |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 1,753 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 600 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 1,200 |
Memory & Platform
The Celeron 3965U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 10 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2133 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 610 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Celeron 3965U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Celeron |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | BGA1356 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 10 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3, DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 32 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Intel HD Graphics 610 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | SoC |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Celeron 3965U is primarily designed for Budget Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium Gold 4415U.
| Specification | Celeron 3965U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Budget Laptop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Pentium Gold 4415U |
Power & Cooling
The Celeron 3965U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Laptop Cooling.
| Specification | Celeron 3965U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 15 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | None |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Laptop Cooling |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #2690 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Celeron 3965U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $107 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2690 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 3 January 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Celeron |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $107 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 3 January 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Kaby Lake-U (2017) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2690 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 2 |
| Bus Type | OPI |
| Die Size | 98.7 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 4 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 22 |
| Max Frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.2 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | BGA1356 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 15 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3, DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 34.134 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
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AMD (12)
Our Recommendation for Celeron 3965U
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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