Intel Celeron 2980U
Intel Celeron 2980U in 2025: Is it Worth Buying a Budget Laptop with This Processor?
A complete breakdown of an outdated chip for those looking to save money
Architecture and Process Technology: What Does Haswell Hide?
The Intel Celeron 2980U processor, released in 2013, belongs to the fourth generation of Intel Core processors (codename Haswell). Despite its age, it is still found in ultra-budget laptops costing $200–300. Let's look at its key specifications:
- Process technology: 22 nm — for 2025, this is an archaic standard, resulting in higher power consumption and heating compared to the modern 7–10 nm chips.
- Cores and threads: 2 cores, 2 threads. No support for Hyper-Threading, which limits multitasking capabilities.
- Clock speeds: Base frequency is 1.4 GHz. Turbo mode is absent — the processor cannot dynamically boost its frequency under load.
- Cache: A meager L3 cache of 2 MB (for comparison, even budget Intel Core i3s from 2025 have 6–8 MB).
- Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (frequency 200–1000 MHz). This is an outdated Gen7 architecture, which does not support modern APIs like Vulkan or DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Features of the Haswell Architecture:
- Focus on energy efficiency for mobile devices.
- Support for AVX2 and FMA3 instructions, theoretically accelerating computations in supported applications.
- Built-in DDR3L memory controller (but not DDR4 or DDR5), which limits data processing speed.
Power Consumption and TDP: A Balance Between Battery and Performance
The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the Celeron 2980U is 15 W. This is a typical figure for entry-level ultrabooks.
- Pros: Low heat output allows for passive cooling or compact coolers. Laptops with this processor are often thin (18–20 mm) and lightweight (1.2–1.5 kg).
- Cons: Due to the outdated process technology, real power consumption under peak load can exceed 15 W, especially with active graphics usage.
Example: The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (2025) with a Celeron 2980U and a 38 Wh battery lasts around 6 hours while web surfing. In contrast, models based on the Intel N100 (7 nm, 2023) with a similar battery capacity deliver 8–10 hours.
Performance: What Can Celeron 2980U Do in 2025?
Geekbench 6 test results (306 — single-core, 524 — multi-core) place this chip at the level of mid-range smartphones. Let's break down usage scenarios:
Office Work
- Microsoft Office, Google Docs: Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations open without issues, but simultaneous work with 10+ browser tabs (e.g., Chrome) will cause sluggishness.
- Video Calls: Zoom or Google Meet works at minimal settings (720p), but background blur or AR effects are unsupported.
Multimedia
- Video: Streaming 1080p (YouTube, Netflix) — stable. 4K video cannot be played due to lack of VP9 decoder support.
- Photo Editors: Editing in Lightroom or Photoshop is possible, but only for simple tasks (cropping, filters). Working with RAW files will take 3–4 times longer than on a Core i5.
Gaming
The integrated Intel HD graphics can only handle games up to 2015:
- Minecraft (Low settings): 25–30 FPS at 720p.
- CS:GO: 20–25 FPS (720p, minimum graphics).
- Modern titles like Fortnite or Genshin Impact — will not run.
Turbo Mode: Absent. This means the processor cannot boost briefly under load, unlike more modern models.
Usage Scenarios: Who is This Processor Suitable For?
The Celeron 2980U is a choice for those who prioritize price over performance:
- Students: For note-taking, online courses, and watching lectures.
- Seniors: Working with email, messaging apps, and simple applications.
- Backup Laptop: For travel or as a "kitchen" device.
Not Suitable For:
- Freelancers (lag while working with graphics or video).
- Gamers.
- Programmers (compiling code in IDE will take unacceptable amounts of time).
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
Battery life depends on two factors: battery capacity and OS optimization.
- Typical Indicators:
- Web surfing (Wi-Fi, 50% brightness): 5–7 hours.
- Video (1080p local file): 4–5 hours.
- Idle (sleep mode): up to 2 weeks thanks to Intel Rapid Start technology.
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamic frequency reduction during idle periods.
- C-States: Disabling unused cores.
Tip: For maximum battery life, choose laptops with at least a 40 Wh battery and SSD (not HDD!).
Comparison with Competitors: What to Buy Instead of Celeron 2980U?
Even in the budget segment, there are better alternatives to the 2980U:
Analogue:
- AMD (2023–2025): Athlon Silver 7120U (6 nm)
- Intel (2025): Celeron N4500 (10 nm)
- Apple (2025): M1 (in used MacBook Air)
Advantages:
- AMD (2023–2025): 2 cores/4 threads, Radeon 610M graphics, DDR5 support. Price of laptops: $250–350.
- Intel (2025): Energy efficiency, Wi-Fi 6 support, AV1 decoding. Price: $270–400.
- Apple (2025): 3–4 times higher performance, 18 hours of battery life. Used price: $500–600.
Conclusion: The Celeron 2980U falls short compared to even budget chips from 2023–2025 across all metrics except initial price.
Pros and Cons: Should You Buy It?
Pros:
- Low laptop prices ($200–300).
- Sufficient for basic tasks (as long as you avoid “heavy” applications).
- Compact and quiet operation (fans in some models).
Cons:
- Outdated architecture: no support for USB 3.2, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI 2.0.
- No upgradeability: the processor is soldered onto the motherboard.
- Limited support duration: drivers and security updates for Haswell ceased in 2023.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
If you still decide to buy a device with the Celeron 2980U, pay attention to:
1. Type of Storage: Only SSD (minimum 128 GB). HDD will slow down the system to an unacceptable level.
2. RAM: 8 GB is the necessary minimum for Windows 11.
3. Screen: IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080. Avoid TN screens with poor viewing angles.
4. Ports: At least one USB-C for connecting modern peripherals.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- HP 14-dk1000: 14" IPS, 8/256 GB, price — $279.
- Acer Aspire 1 A115-32: 15.6" FHD, 4/128 GB (requires RAM upgrade), price — $229.
Final Conclusion: Who is Celeron 2980U Suitable For?
This processor is an option for those on a very tight budget. It is suitable if:
- You need a laptop just for browsing and Word;
- You can tolerate slow performance in multitasking;
- Battery life is more important than performance.
Key Benefits:
- Price below $300.
- Ease of use (requires no technical knowledge).
Alternative: If your budget allows spending an additional $50–100, consider laptops based on Intel N100 or AMD Athlon Silver — they will last longer and not disappoint in the future.
Conclusion: The Celeron 2980U is a relic of the past, still holding a place in the market due to its ultra-low cost. However, in 2025 even budget users deserve more modern solutions.