Intel Celeron G3930T
Intel Celeron G3930T: Budget Processor for Undemanding Tasks (April 2025)
Introduction
Intel Celeron processors have always been positioned as solutions for basic tasks. The Celeron G3930T, released in 2017, is still found on the market in new builds and remaining stocks. Despite its outdated architecture, it remains relevant in the ultra-budget PC niche. Let's explore who and why might find this chip useful in 2025.
Key Specifications
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The Celeron G3930T belongs to the Kaby Lake generation (7th generation Intel) and is manufactured using a 14 nm process. It is a dual-core processor without Hyper-Threading support (2 cores / 2 threads), with a base frequency of 2.7 GHz. The L3 cache size is 2 MB. The TDP is 35 W, making it an energy-efficient solution.
Key Features:
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics 610 (supports 4K via HDMI 1.4, but only at 24 Hz).
- Hardware decoding support for H.265/VP9 for streaming video.
- Power-saving technologies: SpeedStep, Thermal Monitoring.
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 548 (Single-Core) / 948 (Multi-Core). For comparison, the modern budget Ryzen 3 7300U (2024) shows ~1800/4500.
- In real tasks: office applications, a browser with 5-10 tabs, and 1080p video work stably. Multitasking is limited by the two cores.
Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA 1151 (v2) socket. Supported chipsets include:
- H110, B150, H170, Q170 (for Kaby Lake, a BIOS update is required on 100-series boards).
- B250, H270, Q270, Z270 — the optimal choice as they are inherently compatible with Kaby Lake.
Selection Recommendations:
- In 2025, new motherboards for LGA 1151 are hardly produced. Look for models in leftover stock or refurbished options:
- ASUS B250M-K ($50-70): a compact board with HDMI and an M.2 slot (PCIe x2).
- Gigabyte H110M-S2PV ($40-60): a minimalist option without excess features.
- Check for BIOS support for Kaby Lake! This is critical for 100-series chipsets.
Supported Memory Types
The Celeron G3930T works with DDR4-2133/2400 (dual-channel mode) and DDR3L-1333/1600 (motherboard support required). The maximum capacity is 64 GB, but for this processor, 8-16 GB is more than sufficient.
Tips:
- DDR4-2400 is the optimal choice. For example, a Patriot Signature Line 8 GB (2x4 GB) kit costs around $25.
- Avoid DDR3L: such boards are rare, and the price difference with DDR4 is minimal.
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 35 W, the processor consumes little energy. However, the power supply must take into account the consumption of other components:
- Integrated Graphics: a system without a discrete graphics card (e.g., an office PC) will consume 80-120 W under load.
- With a Discrete GPU: if you add a GTX 1650 (TDP 75 W), the total power consumption will rise to ~200 W.
Recommended PSUs:
- For systems without a graphics card: Corsair CV450 (450 W, $45) — headroom for future upgrades.
- For PCs with a GPU: be quiet! System Power 10 550W ($60).
Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Price: a new processor costs $40-50 (as of April 2025).
- Low power consumption — suitable for passive cooling systems.
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
Disadvantages:
- 2 cores without multithreading — it lags with multiple applications running simultaneously.
- Weak iGPU: gaming, except for old or 2D projects, is impossible.
- No support for PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Wi-Fi 6 (external controllers required).
Use Cases
1. Office Tasks
- Working with documents, email, Zoom/Teams. Example: a build based on G3930T + 8 GB RAM + 256 GB SSD can handle this for $200-250.
2. Multimedia Center
- Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube) in 1080p or 4K (with limitations). Connect a mini-PC to the TV via HDMI.
3. Retro Gaming
- Emulators for consoles up to PS1 included. For PS2/PCSX2, a discrete graphics card is required.
What to Avoid:
- Video editing, 3D rendering, modern games (even Counter-Strike 2 at low settings delivers 20-25 FPS).
Comparison with Competitors
1. AMD Athlon 3000G (2019)
- Pros: 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 iGPU (30% faster), supports DDR4-2933.
- Cons: hard to find new ones, price $60-70.
- Conclusion: Athlon 3000G is preferable if multithreading is needed.
2. Intel Pentium Gold G6400 (2020)
- 2 cores/4 threads, UHD Graphics 610. Performance in Geekbench 6: ~700/1400.
- Price: $70-80. The best choice for those prioritizing price and multithreading balance.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. SSD is a Must! Even a budget Kingston A400 (240 GB, $25) will eliminate system "lag."
2. Cooling: the stock cooler is sufficient. For quiet operation, consider the Arctic Alpine 12 ($15).
3. Upgrade: the LGA 1151 motherboard limits CPU choices. Consider switching to Pentium G4560/G4600 (4 threads) if possible.
4. Operating System: Windows 10/11 (with limitations) or a lightweight Linux distribution (Lubuntu, Linux Mint Xfce).
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Celeron G3930T?
This processor is worth considering only in two cases:
1. Building an ultra-budget PC for office work, browsing, or digital signage (e.g., for cafes or hotels).
2. Upgrading an old LGA 1151 system without replacing the motherboard.
Alternatives for 2025:
- For $100-120, you can buy a new Ryzen 3 5300G (4 cores/8 threads, Vega 6) or Intel Core i3-12100 (4 cores/8 threads), both of which are significantly more powerful.
The Celeron G3930T is an example of a "living" relic that finds application where cost is more critical than speed. However, in 2025, its purchase is justified only with a strict budget of up to $200 for the entire build.