Intel Celeron G3930T

The Intel Celeron G3930T is a dual-core, two-thread desktop processor built on Intel's 14nm Kaby Lake architecture and released on January 2, 2017. With a base clock of 2.70 GHz, a 35W TDP, and a 2 MB shared L3 cache, it occupies the entry-level segment of the Socket 1151 platform. Its average benchmark score of 643 places it in the 15th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it trails the vast majority of processors on the market. The nearest rivals, Intel Pentium G3440, Xeon X5472, Core i5-3437U, and Core i3-3240T, all sit within 0.6% of its average score, making this a tightly clustered group of low-performance parts. The G3930T includes Intel HD 610 graphics, supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, and offers 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU. This is a processor for basic computing, not for heavy workloads.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The G3930T's benchmark results reveal a large gap between single-thread and multi-thread performance, though the absolute scores are low in both cases. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 242, while the multi-core score is 1719. The multi-core figure is more than seven times the single-core figure, which is unusual for a dual-core, two-thread chip, typically such a part would scale to roughly double the single-core score under perfect parallelization. The observed ratio suggests that the multi-core test is heavily dependent on memory bandwidth or that the single-core score is disproportionately low due to the low 2.70 GHz clock and lack of Turbo Boost. In Geekbench, the single-core score is 568 and the multi-core is 976, a ratio of about 1.7, which is closer to the expected 2x scaling for a dual-core without hyper-threading. The inconsistency between the Cinebench and Geekbench ratios indicates that the G3930T's performance varies significantly by workload type, some applications will see near-linear scaling, while others will not.

For real-world use, the single-thread performance is the limiting factor. A single-core score of 242 in Cinebench R23 is far below what modern office or web applications require for snappy responsiveness. The multi-core score of 1719 is also modest; even light multitasking, such as having a browser with several tabs open alongside a word processor, can strain this CPU. The G3930T will handle single-threaded tasks like basic text editing or spreadsheet work, but anything that relies on a single core for heavy computation, such as complex Excel macros or photo editing filters, will feel sluggish. Conversely, workloads that can use both cores, such as video playback or simple file compression, will benefit from the multi-core headroom, though the absolute performance remains low.

Power and Thermals

The G3930T carries a 35W TDP, placing it in the low-power tier of desktop processors. This is a significant advantage for compact or silent builds, as the thermal output is minimal. A basic air cooler, even a low-profile one, will be more than sufficient to keep the chip within operating temperatures. The 14nm process node from Intel contributes to the efficiency, and the absence of a boost clock means the CPU always runs at 2.70 GHz, so power draw is consistent under load. The low TDP also means that the G3930T can be used in small form factor cases with limited airflow, or in systems where fan noise is a concern. However, the trade-off is that the 35W envelope restricts performance; the chip is not designed for sustained high-frequency operation. For users building a low-power HTPC or a basic office machine, the thermal characteristics are a clear benefit, but they should not expect any headroom for overclocking, the multiplier is locked, as indicated by the absence of an unlocked multiplier flag.

Benchmark Performance

Looking at the benchmark scores, the G3930T performs essentially identically to its nearest rivals. In Cinebench R15 multicore, it scores 173; in R20 multicore, 721; and in R23 multicore, 1719. The single-core results are 101 (R20) and 242 (R23). Geekbench yields 976 multicore and 568 singlecore. These numbers are all extremely low by modern standards, but the comparison to the nearest rivals is telling. The Pentium G3440 has an average score of 644, and the G3930T is 0.1% slower than that part. The Xeon X5472 averages 642, and the G3930T is 0.1% faster. The Core i5-3437U and Core i3-3240T both average 639, and the G3930T is 0.6% faster than each. This means that despite the different architectures and clock speeds, the G3930T lands in the same performance class as a mid-2010s Pentium, a 2008-era Xeon, and two older mobile/desktop i3 parts. The differences of 0.1% to 0.6% are within run-to-run variance and are not practically meaningful.

In terms of percentile, the 15th percentile ranking underscores how far this CPU sits from the mainstream. The average benchmark score of 643 is a composite of all listed tests, and it aligns closely with the rivals. For context, the G3930T's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1719 is about 2.4 times its single-core score of 242, but even that multi-core result would be considered low for any modern dual-core. The single-core Geekbench score of 568 is roughly half of what a typical mid-range desktop CPU achieves. The data indicates that the G3930T is suitable for basic, non-demanding tasks, and any workload that requires even moderate processing power will show clear limitations.

Platform and Compatibility

The G3930T uses the Intel Socket 1151, which is a mainstream desktop socket that supports a wide range of Intel processors. It is based on the Kaby Lake architecture and is manufactured on a 14nm process. The chip supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, which is standard for its generation. It does not support ECC memory, so it is not suitable for error-correcting workloads. The PCIe interface is Gen 3 with 16 lanes available from the CPU, which is typical for a desktop part; this allows for a single discrete graphics card or multiple NVMe drives, though the CPU's low performance may bottleneck such components. The integrated graphics is Intel HD 610, a basic iGPU that can handle video playback and light desktop compositing, but it is not designed for gaming or GPU-accelerated tasks. The processor has been in production since its release in January 2017 and remains active, meaning it is still available for purchase. The socket 1151 platform offers an upgrade path, but the G3930T's low performance means that any meaningful upgrade would require a different processor, and the motherboard's chipset will dictate which later-generation CPUs are compatible, though that information is not provided here.

Who Should Consider It

The G3930T is best suited for users with very modest computing needs. Based on the benchmark scores, it can handle office productivity, web browsing, and media playback. The single-core Geekbench score of 568 is enough for basic word processing and spreadsheet tasks, while the multi-core score of 976 can manage light multitasking, such as having a few applications open simultaneously. The 35W TDP makes it an attractive choice for low-power builds, such as a home theater PC (HTPC) or a simple file server, where the integrated HD 610 graphics can drive video output without a discrete card. However, it is not suitable for gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, or any CPU-intensive creative work, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1719 is far too low for such tasks. It also lacks the single-thread speed needed for responsive modern web applications, so users who frequently use heavy JavaScript-heavy sites or cloud-based tools may experience lag. In summary, the G3930T is a basic entry-level CPU for basic tasks, and its 15th percentile ranking confirms that it is at the bottom of the performance spectrum.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Celeron G3930T?

A: The TDP is 35W, which places it in the low-power segment.

Q: Does the G3930T support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Intel HD 610 graphics.

Q: What is the socket type?

A: It uses Intel Socket 1151.

Q: What memory type does it support?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s.

Q: When was it released?

A: It was released on January 2, 2017.