Intel Celeron Processors: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – A Complete Buyer's Guide

When shopping for an affordable laptop, desktop, or mini PC, you’ve likely come across devices powered by Intel Celeron processors. These budget-friendly chips are designed for basic computing tasks, making them a popular choice for entry-level users. However, not all Celeron processors are created equal—some offer decent performance for everyday use, while others may struggle with even the simplest tasks.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of Intel Celeron processors. We’ll discuss why they might be a smart choice for budget buyers, what drawbacks to expect, and how to avoid getting tricked into buying outdated models.

What Are Intel Celeron Processors?

Intel Celeron is a line of low-cost, entry-level processors designed for basic computing needs. They are commonly found in:

1. Budget laptops (under R6000)

2. Budget desktops at low costs (mini PCs, all-in-ones)

3. Mini PCs (small form-factor business desktops)

Celeron CPUs are stripped-down variants of Intel's more powerful Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, with only enough "oomph" for web browsing, word processing, and light media consumption.

The Good: Why Would You Go with an Intel Celeron Processor?

1. Budget Price

The best advantage of Celeron processors is their low price. If you need a device for general usage like: (This is actually what the majority of general users around the world need a PC for, but people do like to over buy on their purchases)

• Web browsing

• Email and office software (Word, Excel, Google Docs)

• Video streaming (YouTube, Netflix)

• Light multitasking

• A system based on Celeron can be a shining, affordable choice.

2. Power Efficiency & Fanless Designs

Most Celeron CPUs (especially newer models) are extremely power-efficient, making them an excellent choice for:

• Mini PCs (fanless designs for silent operation)

• Thin-and-light notebooks (longer battery life)

• Low-power desktops (office or home use)

• Of course, for load shedding to run off a powerbank or powerstation

3. Decent Performance for Basic Needs

Newer Celeron processors (like the Celeron N-series) offer dual or quad-core performance, which is sufficient for:

• Casual browsing

• 1080p or even 4K video playback

• Light to medium productivity tasks

4. Ideal for Secondary Devices

If you already have a powerful PC but need a secondary device for travel, work, or media consumption, a laptop or mini PC with a Celeron processor can be a budget-friendly solution.

The Bad: Disadvantages of Intel Celeron Processors

Although Celeron CPUs are ideal for general use, they have some serious limitations:

1. Subpar Performance for Demanding Tasks

Don't expect a Celeron to be capable of:

• Gaming (even light games such as Minecraft will stutter, although will work fine with some retro emaulation gaming)

• Video or photo editing (too slow for rendering)

• Heavy multitasking (too many browser tabs will cause slowing down)

2. Limited Upgradeability

Most Celeron-based systems come with:

• Soldered RAM (not upgradeable), or only one DDR4 slot up to 16GB only.

• Limited storage options

• No GPU support (integrated graphics only)

3. Older Models Can Be Extremely Slow

Some shops sell older Celeron models (e.g., Celeron N4000 or N3350) without specifying the exact CPU. These CPUs are much slower than newer ones (e.g., Celeron N100 or N150).

The Ugly: How Shops Trick Buyers with Low Celeron Models

This is really annoying. Most budget laptops and mini PCs are only marked as "Intel Celeron" or "Intel Celeron Dual-Core" without naming the specific model.

Why This Matters

A Celeron N5105 (made in 2021 version) is 2-3 times quicker than a Celeron N4000 (made in 2017).

Some retailers continue to sell 10-year-old Celeron models (like the Celeron N4000 or older) in "new" computers.

Most people don't realize they're receiving an outdated, slow processor, but then realise its too slow for their needs.

How Not to Get Scammed

Before buying a Celeron-powered device:

• Check the exact model (e.g., Celeron N5105 vs. N4020).

• Look up benchmarks (CPU Mark or PassMark scores).

• Avoid "Intel Celeron" listings without model numbers—they’re often hiding old, slow chips.

• Ask before you buy! The store or sales person should have knowledge on this topic and if they dont, then stay away!

Best Intel Celeron Processors in 2025

Processor	Cores/Threads	Base/Boost Clock	TDP	GPU (Intel UHD)	Cache	Best For	Performance Notes
Celeron N150 (New!)	4C/4T	1.8 GHz - 3.4 GHz	6W	UHD (24 EU)	6MB	Mini PCs, ultrabooks	Fastest Celeron yet, great for light productivity
Celeron N100 (Alder Lake-N)	4C/4T	1.8 GHz - 3.4 GHz	6W	UHD (24 EU)	6MB	Budget laptops, mini PCs	Excellent efficiency, good for basic tasks
Celeron N95 (Alder Lake-N)	4C/4T	1.7 GHz - 3.4 GHz	15W	UHD (16 EU)	6MB	Mini desktops, entry-level laptops	Slightly higher power draw than N100

Key Takeaways:

1. Celeron N150 – The newest and fastest Celeron (2024), ideal for those who need a bit more performance in fanless mini PCs or budget ultrabooks.

2. Celeron N100 – The best balance of power efficiency and performance, perfect for mini PCs and basic laptops.

3. Celeron N95 – A slightly older but still capable option, though it consumes more power (15W vs. 6W on N100/N150).

Performance Comparison:

• Single-Core Speed: N150 ≈ N100 > N95

• Multi-Core Speed: N150 > N100 ≈ N95

• GPU Performance: N150 & N100 (24 EU) > N95 (16 EU)

• Power Efficiency: N100 & N150 (6W) > N95 (15W)

Which One Should You Choose?

• For Mini PCs / Fanless Designs: N100 or N150 (better efficiency, lower heat).

• For Budget Laptops: N150 (best performance) or N100 (best battery life).

• Avoid N95 unless it’s significantly cheaper—it’s less efficient than N100/N150.

Avoid Older Celerons!

• N4000/N4020 (2017-2019, very slow today)

• J-series (J1800, J1900) (ancient, avoid at all costs)

Should You Buy a Celeron-Powered Device?

Yes, if:

✅ You need an inexpensive laptop/mini PC for general use.

✅ You're interested in low power consumption & noiseless operation.

✅ You're buying a newer model (N100, N5105, etc.).

No, if:

❌ You need gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.

❌ The PC contains an unspecified or very old Celeron model.

❌ You plan to use the PC for more than 3 years (performance may become obsolete earlier).

Are Intel Celeron Processors Adequate?

Intel Celeron processors are a mixed bag:

• Good for bargain hunters looking for a basic, low-cost PC.

• Excellent for a basic need PC at home.

• Bad for performance-related activities.

• Ugly when manufacturers sell old versions without transparency.

• If you do some research and pick a newer Celeron CPU, you can have a nice, cheap machine. But if you fall for some old, slow one, you will regret your purchase.

• Always check the exact processor model before purchasing!

FAQ

Q: Is Intel Celeron better than AMD Athlon?

A: It depends. Newer Celerons (N100, N5105) are competitive with AMD 3020e/3050e, but Athlon Silver/Gold can be faster.

Q: Can a Celeron run Windows 11?

A: Yes, but only newer models (N-series, 12th-gen+) natively support Windows 11.

Q: Are Celeron mini PCs good enough for office work?

A: Yes, especiall if you stick to web apps, Office 365, and light multitasking.

Intel Celeron processors aren't for everyone, but they do hold a position in the low-end PC segment. If you need a cheap, power-saving device for general usage, a newer Celeron can be a good buy. Just be wary of older models being cleared out under the same name—always check benchmarks before you purchase!

Have you used a Celeron-based computer? Share your experience with us in the comments!