Intel Celeron G3900
Intel Celeron G3900: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Updated: April 2025
1. Key Characteristics: Simplicity and Affordability
Architecture and Process Technology
The Intel Celeron G3900 processor, released in 2016, is based on the Skylake microarchitecture and manufactured using a 14nm process technology. Despite its age, it remains relevant for budget systems due to its low cost and minimal power consumption.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 2 threads (without Hyper-Threading).
- Frequency: 2.8 GHz (no turbo mode).
- Cache: 2 MB L2 and 2 MB L3 (4 MB total).
- TDP: 51 W.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 510 (base frequency 350 MHz, maximum — 950 MHz).
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 587 (single-core), 980 (multi-core).
- Real-world Tasks: Easily handles office applications, web surfing, and HD video.
Key Features:
- DDR4 support.
- Integrated graphics chip for 4K displays via HDMI 1.4.
- Low price — around $45 for a new processor in 2025.
2. Compatible Motherboards: LGA 1151 Socket
Chipsets and Selection Features
The Celeron G3900 uses the LGA 1151 (v1) socket. Suitable chipsets include:
- H110, B150, H170, Z170 (for Skylake).
- H310, B365 (require BIOS update for compatibility).
Recommendations:
- Budget Option: ASRock H110M-DVS (around $60).
- Future-proof Option: MSI B150M Mortar (supports M.2 NVMe, $80–$100).
Important:
- Motherboards with 200-series chipsets (e.g., B250) may require BIOS updates.
- The Z170/Z270 chipset’s overclocking capabilities are pointless since Celeron does not support it.
3. Supported Memory: DDR4-2133
The Celeron G3900 operates with DDR4-2133 MHz in dual-channel mode.
- Maximum Capacity: 64 GB (depends on the motherboard).
- Recommendations:
- 8 GB (2×4 GB) — for Windows 10/11 and basic tasks.
- 16 GB — if planning to work with multiple browser tabs and lightweight editors.
Limitations:
- No support for DDR5 or XMP profiles.
- Frequencies above 2133 MHz are not utilized.
4. Power Supply: Minimum 300 W
With a TDP of 51 W and integrated graphics, a system with the Celeron G3900 consumes no more than 100–120 W under load.
Tips:
- Power Supply: 300–400 W (e.g., EVGA 400 W1, $35).
- For a discrete graphics card: 450–500 W (if adding a GPU like the GTX 1650).
Details:
- Integrated graphics do not require extra power.
- Modular power supplies (Corsair CX450M, $55) will simplify the build in compact cases.
5. Pros and Cons of Celeron G3900
Pros:
- Price: One of the cheapest processors on the market ($45).
- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for PCs running 24/7 (e.g., media center).
- Graphics: Supports 4K via HDMI.
Cons:
- Weak Multi-threading: 2 cores won’t handle rendering or streaming.
- Outdated Architecture: Lags behind modern Pentium and Athlon in IPC.
- Limited Upgrade Path: The maximum on the LGA 1151 socket is the Core i7-7700K.
6. Use Cases
Office and Multimedia
- Documents, Excel, Zoom: The processor does not lag even with 10+ Chrome tabs.
- 4K Video: Smooth playback through VLC or Kodi.
Light Gaming
- Minecraft, Dota 2, CS:GO: 30–40 FPS at low settings (720p).
- Emulators: PlayStation 1/PSP — no problems; Nintendo Switch — won’t handle it.
What to Avoid:
- Video editing (even at 1080p).
- Running modern games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield).
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon 3000G ($65):
- Pros: Vega 3 graphics (twice as powerful), unlocked multiplier.
- Cons: Higher price, no AVX instruction support.
Intel Pentium Gold G6400 ($75):
- Pros: 4 threads, 4.0 GHz frequency, supports DDR4-2666.
- Cons: 50% more expensive.
Conclusion: The Celeron G3900 only wins on price. For gaming, the Athlon 3000G is better; for multitasking, the Pentium is superior.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is Essential: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will eliminate system “lag”.
- Cooler: The standard Intel cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, consider the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
- Case: Micro-ATX (Fractal Design Core 1100, $45).
- Network Adapter: If the motherboard lacks Wi-Fi, add a TP-Link Archer T4E ($25).
Example Build for $250:
- Processor: $45.
- Motherboard: $60.
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 — $25.
- SSD: 240 GB — $25.
- Power Supply: $35.
- Case: $45.
9. Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Celeron G3900?
This processor is worth considering if:
- Budget is strictly limited ($200–300 for the entire PC).
- You need a computer for office work, studying, or a home theater.
- You plan to use Linux distributions (Lubuntu, Xubuntu).
Do not buy the Celeron G3900 if:
- You want to play modern games.
- You work with graphics or video editing.
- You plan to upgrade to Core i5/i7 (better to go with Pentium straight away).
In 2025, the G3900 is a “workhorse” for the simplest tasks where saving every penny matters.