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Introduction

Discover the Latest Intel Celeron Processors – Explore the newest innovations in budget-friendly computing with Intel Celeron processors. Intel Celeron processors have served as the company’s entry-level CPUs for budget desktops and laptops since 1998. Positioned below the more performance-oriented Pentium chips, Intel Celeron processors provide just enough power for basic computing needs, making them ideal for low-cost PCs.

With the recent launch of 12th Gen Intel Core processors, Intel has begun phasing out the Pentium and Celeron branding in favor of simply using the name “Intel Processor.” This transition, slated to start in Q1 2023, signals the company’s aim to simplify its product naming schemes. However, Celeron and Pentium chips will still occupy their familiar value segment for now.

The Evolution of Intel Celeron Processors

The original Celeron CPUs debuted in 1998 as a low-cost version of Intel’s higher-end chips. Based on the P6 microarchitecture of the Pentium II, the first Celerons lacked supplemental L2 cache and instead had their L2 cache on-die running at full clock speed. AMD’s rival budget processors proved formidable competitors, forcing Intel to improve the Celeron line.

The next few generations brought enhancements like the integration of Coppermine and Tualatin cores. Intel also moved Celeron to the NetBurst architecture starting with the Willamette core, delivering a significant performance boost. Additional improvements came through the transition to the Core microarchitecture in 2006 and the introduction of dual-core Celeron chips.

Now based on the latest Alder Lake architecture, the newest 12th Gen Celeron processors continue the lineage of reliable entry-level CPUs. Modern Celerons may lack some features present in Core i3 and Core i5 chips but still outpace older budget offerings. Technology like Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, DDR5 memory support, and Intel UHD graphics make today’s Celeron processors suitable for basic office work, web browsing, media playback, and light gaming.

Notable Models in the Latest Generation

The 12th Gen Celeron lineup delivers notable improvements over prior generations. The refreshed 10nm SuperFin transistors allow increased efficiency and performance. For example, the Celeron 6600HE offers a 2.6 GHz max turbo frequency, a jump from the 2.1 GHz on the comparable previous-gen part.

Intel has also endowed the latest Celerons with up to 8MB L3 cache, doubling the L3 cache available on earlier models. This expanded cache improves performance during demanding workloads. The flagship Celeron 6305E possesses 8MB of L3 cache while having a base frequency of 1.8 GHz and a thermal design power (TDP) of just 15W. Such an optimal blend of efficiency and performance demonstrates the capabilities achievable even with low-end modern processors.

Connectivity is another area where new Celerons shine. They incorporate Intel Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable wireless performance. The integrated Intel UHD graphics also saw improvements, displaying smoother video playback and better rendering for browsing and basic gaming. Overall, the most recent Celeron chips deliver excellent value, bringing meaningful upgrades over preceding generations.

List of Latest Intel Celeron Processors

Processor	Generation	Cores	Base Clock Speed	Max Turbo Frequency
Intel® Celeron® G6900	12th Gen Alder Lake	2	3.4 GHz	–
Intel® Celeron® G5905	10th Gen Comet Lake	2	3.5 GHz	–
Intel® Celeron® G5920	10th Gen Comet Lake	2	3.5 GHz	–
Intel® Celeron® G4900	8th Gen Coffee Lake	2	3.1 GHz	–
Intel® Celeron® N6211	11th Gen Elkhart Lake	2	1.2 GHz	3.0 GHz
Intel® Celeron® N5105	10th Gen Jasper Lake	4	2.0 GHz	2.9 GHz
Intel® Celeron® N4000	10th Gen Gemini Lake	2	1.1 GHz	2.6 GHz
Intel® Celeron® 3965U	7th Gen Kaby Lake	2	2.2 GHz	–

This range of current entry-level Celeron processors provides solid performance for basic computing tasks while maintaining low cost and power efficiency. The newest models offer nice improvements over earlier generations.

The Branding Transition: Pentium and Celeron to “Intel Processor”

After keeping the Pentium and Celeron brand names for over two decades, Intel has decided to simplify its processor branding. Beginning in Q1 2023, Intel’s desktop processors will transition away from the Pentium and Celeron names. Budget-class chips will still occupy their familiar market position but will use the naming format “Intel Processor” along with the specific model number.

This change aims to simplify Intel’s branding as the differences between processors become less apparent to average consumers. With extensive overlap between Celeron, Pentium, and even Core i3 processors in capabilities and performance, the distinct brand names have become less meaningful. Dropping these names helps eliminate potential confusion for shoppers.

However, the demise of the legendary Pentium name marks the end of an era for Intel. Experts speculate that the Celeron branding will fade away soon too. Consumers must now identify processors based on model numbers and technical specifications. But for many shoppers, the priority is finding the right balance of performance, price, and capabilities rather than brand cachet.

Performance Analysis of Intel Celeron CPUs

Thanks to architectural improvements and higher clock speeds, the capabilities of modern Celeron processors can meet the needs of many mainstream users. Multitasking numerous browser tabs or office apps is generally smooth. Streaming HD video and playing older games at modest resolution also poses no issue.

However, there are certain limitations stemming from the underlying architectures of Celeron chips. Most desktop Celeron processors have just dual-core designs without hyperthreading. This dual-core architecture hampers multitasking performance under heavy workloads. Though the latest chips support DDR5 RAM, they only have dual-channel memory controllers that limit memory bandwidth. Budget-conscious shoppers should not expect Celeron processors to excel at intensive tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, heavy multitasking, and modern gaming.

Benchmarks illustrate the performance differences. In PassMark tests, a 12th Gen Core i3-12100 scores 12510 points while a Celeron G6900 manages just 5429. But at one-third the price, the Celeron delivers good-enough performance for basic needs. Upgrading to a Core i3 offers smoother multitasking and responsiveness but may exceed budget constraints.

See the comparison between Celeron and Pentium processors for more context on their positioning and performance.

Expert Opinions and Evaluations

Many experts acknowledge the continued relevance of Intel Celeron processors for budget-minded consumers. In the article “Are Intel Celeron CPUs Any Good?“, author Christian Cawley notes that while Celeron chips are less powerful than Core i3/i5 processors, they remain a “safe bet for web browsing, email, and basic desktop needs.”

Meanwhile, Digital Trends writer Jon Martindale explores “Which Intel Celeron Processor is The Best?“ Martindale points to choices like the Celeron G6900 as offering the best balance of performance, features, and affordability. He concludes that “If you want a cheap PC just to browse the web, watch Netflix, and do some office work, an Intel Celeron processor should be up to the task.”

These expert perspectives reaffirm Intel Celeron CPUs as a reasonable choice for systems meant for light workloads without intensive multitasking or content creation. Shoppers seeking good-enough performance on a strict budget can feel confident choosing an appropriately specced Intel Celeron processor.

Use Cases and Recommendations

With their stripped-down designs and low pricing, Intel Celeron processors naturally cater to budget-minded consumers. Here are some common scenarios where a Celeron CPU may suffice:

• Basic office PC – For mundane tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, and video calls, a dual-core Celeron paired with 4-8GB RAM and an SSD meets the needs for most white-collar office work. Opt for at least a Celeron G6900 to ensure smooth performance even with multiple apps and browser tabs open.
• Home/student PC – For coursework, research, media streaming, and lightweight gaming, a Celeron chip can save money over higher-end CPUs without severely sacrificing performance for common tasks. Just manage expectations around intensive applications like video editing software or modern 3D games.
• HTPC media streaming – Building or buying a dedicated home theater PC? With support for AVX and modern graphics, any recent Celeron CPU can easily handle streaming HD video from services like Netflix and YouTube. The integrated UHD graphics also works for some light gaming, especially with older game titles.
• DIY NAS – Current Celeron processors strike an ideal balance for network-attached storage devices. Models like the Celeron J6412 provide good-enough performance for background file transfers without breaking the bank. Just don’t expect to run heavy virtualization on an entry-level Celeron.

Looking Ahead: Intel’s Processor Lineup

Intel continues pursuing aggressive development of new architectures and manufacturing processes for future processors. Upcoming generations aim to deliver even better efficiency and performance across market segments.

Following the hybrid architecture in Alder Lake, Intel’s next-gen Raptor Lake processors will offer more performance cores and cache for increased single-threaded speed. Efficiency cores will also see upgrades in Raptor Lake chips when they launch later in 2022. Further down the road, the 2024 Meteor Lake generation will employ a tiled chip design to enable mixing CPU, GPU, and I/O tiles made with varied manufacturing technologies.

Intel will likely reserve the latest innovations for Core i-series processors first before passing improvements down to its budget Pentium and Celeron lineup. But if history is any indication, future Celeron chips should build on the capabilities of today’s models with even smoother performance. The eventual transition to the simplified “Intel Processor” naming scheme may reduce brand awareness but keeps costs low. As long as Intel maintains its strategy of trickling down technologies to entry-level CPUs, budget-focused customers will continue reaping excellent value from Intel Celeron processors.

See the list of Intel Celeron processors for a detailed overview of the current and past models in the Celeron family.

Check out the fastest Intel Celeron processors to understand how clock speeds and core counts influence real-world performance.

For benchmarks and analysis of Celeron capabilities, read this performance review of Intel Celeron CPUs.

Conclusion

Over two decades of steady evolution have maintained Intel Celeron processors as capable budget-friendly chips. The latest 12th Gen Celeron CPUs deliver good-enough performance for basic computing. New features like Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, expanded L3 cache, faster clock speeds, and updated UHD graphics cement their status as reliable entry-level options.

As Intel phases out the Celeron branding in 2023, these processors will continue fulfilling their familiar role while using a simplified naming scheme. With expertise honed from producing billions of CPUs, Intel seems poised to keep pushing new innovations down to inexpensive chips. So for the foreseeable future, Intel Celeron processors will likely remain a staple choice for cheaper PCs meant for basic productivity, web browsing, and home office duties. Their unmatched value makes Intel Celeron processors a suitable match for cost-conscious consumers focused on fundamental computing needs.

FAQs

Is Intel Celeron 11th gen?

Yes, Intel recently launched 11th Gen Celeron processors such as the Celeron N6211 and N6210. These new 11th Gen Celeron CPUs are based on the Elkhart Lake architecture.

When was the last Intel Celeron made?

The most recent Intel Celeron processors are 12th Gen models launched in early 2022. These include the Celeron G6900, Celeron G6900T, and Celeron G6900TE.

Is Intel Celeron better than i3?

Generally no, Intel Core i3 processors are better than Celeron. Core i3 CPUs have more cores, hyperthreading, and larger cache, giving better overall performance. But Celeron chips are much cheaper, so may be a better value if you only need basic computing.

Which is faster Intel Celeron or i3?

Intel Core i3 processors are significantly faster than Celeron. For example, a 12th Gen Core i3-12100 scores around 12500 in PassMark benchmarks, while a comparable Celeron G6900 manages only about 5500. The i3’s advantages in multi-threading, cache, and architecture make it much quicker.

Is Intel Celeron faster than i5?

No, Intel Celeron processors are much slower than Intel Core i5 CPUs. Core i5 chips have more cores, hyperthreading, larger cache, and superior architecture. An i5 is several times faster than a Celeron for intensive workloads. But a Celeron is cheaper for basic computing.

Which is better Pentium or Celeron?

Intel Pentium processors are generally better than Celeron. Pentium CPUs tend to have higher clock speeds, more cores, and bigger cache. But Celeron chips are cheaper, so can be a good value option for basic computing needs. Pentium offers a performance middle ground between Celeron and Core i3.

Can Windows 11 run on Celeron?

Yes, Intel Celeron processors can run Windows 11. But for an optimal Windows 11 experience, Intel recommends at least a dual core CPU with a clock speed over 1 GHz, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. Entry-level Celerons may experience reduced performance on Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.

Is i3 and Celeron same?

No, Intel Core i3 and Celeron processors are different product lines. i3 CPUs are faster and more powerful, with more cores, hyperthreading, and larger cache. Celeron chips are more basic and affordable. Both can handle general computing, but i3 is better for intensive tasks.