Celeron G3900
CPU·Budget

Celeron G3900

Intel

PassMark

2,155

MSRP

$42

AVG Price

$39

1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
51 Watt
Skylake (2015−2016)

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 G3900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,155 points. Launch price was $42.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron G3900 is positioned at rank #419 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Celeron G3900

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
6075%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
5740%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
4168%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
1256%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
995%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
870%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
498%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
492%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
448%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
448%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
443%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
431%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
425%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
423%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
419%
#342
Core i3-9350K
MSRP: $184|Avg: $150
99%
#343
Athlon Gold PRO 3150G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
97%
#344
Core i9-9900
MSRP: $423|Avg: $330
96%
#345
Core i9-9980XE
MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593
96%
#346
Core i7-10700K
MSRP: $387|Avg: $380
95%
#419
Celeron G3900
MSRP: $42|Avg: $39
100%
#420
Celeron G1840
MSRP: $35|Avg: $30
99%
#421
Core i5-8400
MSRP: $182|Avg: $95
99%
#423
Phenom II X3 705e
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $69
99%
#427
Core 2 Duo E8500
MSRP: $26|Avg: $26
97%
#429
Xeon E5-2618L v4
MSRP: $779|Avg: $33
97%
#434
Core i3-7320
MSRP: $99|Avg: $40
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron G3900 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron G3900 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,155, 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 680, while multi-core reaches 1,250.

SpecificationCeleron G3900
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSkylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor150 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 8 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score2,155
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming680
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance1,250
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3900 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 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 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 510 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron G3900
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3, DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4-2133
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics 510
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUH110,B150,H170,Z170
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron G3900 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium G4400.

SpecificationCeleron G3900
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryDesktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPentium G4400
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron G3900 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 51 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Intel Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationCeleron G3900
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload51 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxIntel Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $39 (MSRP: $42), the Celeron G3900 delivers 55 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #419 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2527 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron G3900
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$42
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$39
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$42
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#419
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2527
Release DateLaunch date1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron G3900

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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