Intel Celeron G1840
Intel Celeron G1840: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Updated: April 2025
1. Key Specifications: What Lies Beneath Haswell?
The Intel Celeron G1840 processor, released in 2014, remains one of the most affordable solutions for simple tasks. Its Haswell architecture (4th generation Intel Core) is built on a 22nm process, which seems archaic by 2025 standards but explains its low cost.
Key Parameters:
- Cores/Threads: 2/2 (no Hyper-Threading).
- Base Frequency: 2.8 GHz (no Turbo Boost).
- L3 Cache: 3 MB.
- TDP: 54 W.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD (Haswell) with a base frequency of 350 MHz.
Performance:
According to Geekbench 6 benchmarks (2025):
- Single-core: 488 points.
- Multi-core: 832 points.
These scores are comparable to modern budget ARM processors in mini-PCs but are inferior to even mobile chips like the Snapdragon 7c (Geekbench 6: ~600/1800).
Features:
- Energy efficiency: Suitable for passive cooling systems.
- Support for SSE4.2 and AVX2 instructions (useful for video encoding).
- Built-in graphics core capable of driving images on 3 monitors (via DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA).
2. Compatible Motherboards: What to Choose in 2025?
The LGA 1150 socket is the main limitation. New boards for it have not been produced since 2017, but new models (mainly from Chinese brands) can still be found on the market:
- Chipsets: H81, B85, H87, Z87.
- Examples:
- ASRock H81M-HDS (~$55).
- Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H-A (~$70).
Selection Features:
- Check for USB 3.0 and SATA III support — critical for SSDs.
- Avoid boards without UEFI BIOS — modern OS booting issues may arise.
- For upgrades: look for models that support Core i5/i7 4th generation (e.g., i7-4790).
3. Supported Memory: DDR3 vs. Modern Standards
The Celeron G1840 works only with DDR3:
- Types: DDR3-1333/1600.
- Maximum Capacity: 32 GB (theoretically), but in practice, most boards support 16 GB.
Tips:
- Use dual-channel mode (2x4 GB instead of 1x8 GB) for an additional 10-15% graphics performance.
- Prices for new DDR3 modules in 2025: 8 GB — $25, 16 GB — $45.
4. Power Supply: How Many Watts Are Enough?
With a TDP of 54 W and no discrete graphics card, even a 300 W PSU will suffice. However, for reliability:
- Recommendations:
- Be Quiet! System Power 10 450W ($55) — quiet and overload protection.
- Corsair CV450 ($50) — optimal price-to-quality ratio.
- Important: Do not skimp on the PSU for older systems — poor-quality models could damage components.
5. Pros and Cons of Celeron G1840
Pros:
- Price: New processors can be found for $30-40.
- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for systems running 24/7 (e.g., home NAS).
- Silence: Passive cooling or a cooler under $15 (Deepcool GAMMAXX 200T).
Cons:
- Weak Performance: Struggles with a browser running 10+ tabs.
- Outdated Interfaces: No USB 3.1, NVMe, HDMI 2.0.
- No Support for Windows 12: Officially works only with Windows 10/11.
6. Use Cases: Where is G1840 Still Relevant?
- Office Tasks: Word, Excel, email.
- Media Center: Plays FullHD through Kodi or Plex (4K is not supported).
- Retro Gaming: Heroes III, Half-Life 2, Minecraft (up to 30 FPS on low settings).
- Home Server: For file storage or VPN based on Linux.
Real Example:
A user in Brazil built a budget PC on G1840 for studying: ASUS H81M-K motherboard, 8 GB DDR3, 240 GB SSD. The system runs LibreOffice and YouTube in 720p without lag.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon 5350 (2014):
- Pros: Only 25 W TDP.
- Cons: Geekbench 6 — 420/750, weaker in single-threaded tasks.
Intel Pentium G4560 (2017):
- Pros: 2 cores/4 threads, supports DDR4.
- Cons: Costs $60-70 (used), requires LGA 1151 platform.
Conclusion: G1840 only wins on price. For tasks more complex than web surfing, consider Pentium or AMD Athlon 3000G.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is essential: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will reduce OS boot time.
- RAM: 8 GB DDR3 is the minimum for Windows 11.
- Case: A compact Mini-ITX (Cooler Master Elite 110, $50) will work.
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4, $5).
Caution:
- Do not buy new LGA 1150 motherboards — high risk of defects. Look for verified used options.
- Avoid discrete graphics cards — the processor will become a "bottleneck."
9. Final Conclusion: Who is Celeron G1840 Suitable For?
This processor is for those who:
1. Need an extremely cheap system for basic tasks.
2. Are building a PC for elderly relatives or children.
3. Are looking for an upgrade for an old office computer.
Alternatives for 2025:
- For $100, you can buy a new Intel Processor N100 (4 cores, DDR5, 6 W TDP), which is three times more powerful.
Final Note: The Celeron G1840 is a relic of the past, but in stringent economic conditions, it still finds its niche. However, for most users, investing in modern platforms (AM5, LGA 1700) would be more prudent.