Intel Celeron 877

Intel Celeron 877

Intel Celeron 877: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

Analysis of the capabilities and relevance of an outdated chip in the era of modern technology


1. Architecture and Process Technology: Modest Specifications for Simple Tasks

The Intel Celeron 877 processor, released in 2011 on the Sandy Bridge architecture, is still found in ultra-budget laptops. Its technical specifications reflect an era when dual-core CPUs without multi-threading support were the norm for the entry-level segment:

- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 2 threads (no Hyper-Threading).

- Clock Speeds: Base frequency — 1.4 GHz. Turbo mode is absent.

- Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) with 6 Execution Units, operating at a frequency of 350–1000 MHz.

Architecture Features:

Sandy Bridge brought improvements in performance per clock and energy efficiency compared to previous generations. However, the 32-nm process technology and lack of modern instructions (AVX, AES-NI) render the Celeron 877 unsuitable for tasks requiring hardware acceleration.

Example: Playback of 1080p video is possible, but 4K content will lag even on YouTube due to the weaknesses of the iGPU and the absence of a VP9 decoder.


2. Power Consumption and TDP: Savings at the Cost of Performance

The Celeron 877 has a TDP of 17 W, which is typical for processors in this class. In 2025, such chips are found in compact devices with passive cooling.

- Advantage: Low heat generation allows for the creation of thin laptops without fans.

- Disadvantage: Under load (e.g., opening 10 tabs in a browser), throttling may occur due to the weak cooling system.

Advice: If you choose a laptop with this CPU, ensure the chassis has metal components for better heat dissipation.


3. Performance: Minimum for Survival

Geekbench 6 tests (241 / 370) show that the Celeron 877 lags behind even modern smartphones. Let's consider it in real scenarios:

- Office Work: Word, Excel, browser with 5–7 tabs — delays may occur when switching between applications.

- Multimedia: Watching FullHD video, basic photo editing in Lightroom (only for the patient).

- Gaming: Only old games like Half-Life 2 or Minecraft on low settings (10–20 FPS).

Turbo Mode: Absent — frequency is fixed at 1.4 GHz. This limits performance under short bursts of load.


4. Usage Scenarios: Who Is Celeron 877 Relevant for in 2025?

This processor is suitable for those who do not require multitasking:

- Students: Note-taking, online lectures, PDF textbooks.

- Seniors: Email, video calls, simple browser games.

- Backup Laptop: For trips where there is a high risk of device loss or damage.

Important: Do not consider it for Zoom conferences while simultaneously working in Google Docs — freezes are inevitable.


5. Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours — If Lucky

With a battery capacity of 35–40 Watt-hours, working time reaches 4–6 hours in document reading mode. However:

- Energy Saving Technologies: Intel SpeedStep reduces frequency during idle to 800 MHz.

- Problems: The old 32-nm process lags behind modern 7-nm chips (e.g., Apple M1) in efficiency. Even budget AMD Athlon Gold chips on 6 nm (2024) consume less power while providing greater performance.

Advice: Disable Wi-Fi and reduce screen brightness to 50% to extend battery life.


6. Comparison with Competitors: In the Context of Modern CPUs

- AMD Athlon Silver 7120U (2024): 2 cores / 2 threads, 15 W TDP, 6-nm process. Geekbench 6: 980 / 1850. Laptop prices — starting from $350.

- Intel N100 (Alder Lake-N): 4 cores, 6 W TDP, supports DDR5. Geekbench 6: 1200 / 3200. Devices — starting from $300.

- Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020): Not a direct competitor, but for $600 offers 5 times more performance.

Conclusion: The Celeron 877 falls short even against budget models from 2024–2025, but can be useful if the budget is limited to $200–250.


7. Pros and Cons: When Price Justifies Disadvantages

Strengths:

- Laptop prices starting from $200.

- Sufficient for Linux distributions (Lubuntu, Xubuntu).

- Repairability — replacing an SSD or RAM will be inexpensive.

Weaknesses:

- No support for Windows 11 (only unofficial patches).

- Slow SSD (often a 64 GB eMMC storage).

- Absence of USB-C and Wi-Fi 6.


8. Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop: What to Check Before Buying

Type of Device:

- Ultra-budget Laptop: For example, HP Stream 14 or similar models.

- ChromeOS Device: Some Chromebooks use Celeron 877, but it’s better to look for options on ARM.

What to Pay Attention To:

1. RAM: At least 8 GB (but often 4 GB — avoid such models!).

2. Storage: Only SSD (256 GB and above). eMMC is a nightmare.

3. Display: IPS matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080. HD+ (1366×768) is outdated even for basic tasks.

Example: Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (2025) with Celeron 877, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD — $249. Suitable for Linux and light tasks.


9. Final Conclusion: Who Is Celeron 877 Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is an option for:

- Users with Minimal Needs: Browsing, text editors.

- Linux Enthusiasts: Lightweight distributions will breathe life into the old chip.

- Buyers on a Tight Budget: When $200 is the limit.

Key Benefits:

- Low price.

- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.

- Compatibility with most peripherals.

Alternative: If your budget allows for an additional $100–150, choose laptops with Intel N100 or AMD Athlon — they will last longer and won’t disappoint in the future.

The Celeron 877 is a compromise worth considering only in extreme economy conditions. In 2025, even the budget segment offers more favorable options.

Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Mobile
Launch Date
April 2012
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
877
Code Name
Sandy Bridge

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
2
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
2
Intel Turbo Boost Technology
?
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.
No
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
?
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
FCBGA1023
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
32 nm
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
100C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
2.0
Number of PCI Express Lanes
?
A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.
16
Instruction Set
?
The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.
64-bit
Intel 64
?
Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.
Yes
PCI Express Configurations
?
PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.
1x16 | 2x8 | 1x8 2x4

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR3 1066/1333
Max Memory Size
?
Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.
16 GB
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
2
Max Memory Bandwidth
?
Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).
21.3 GB/s
ECC Memory Supported
?
ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.
No

GPU Specifications

GPU Name
Intel® HD Graphics for 2nd Generation Intel® Processors
Graphics Frequency
?
Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.
1.00 GHz
Graphics Base Frequency
?
Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.
350 MHz
Number of Displays Supported
2
Graphics Output
?
Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.
eDP/DP/HDMI/SDVO/CRT

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
?
Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.
Yes
Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)
?
Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.
No
Instruction Set Extensions
Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology
?
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.
Yes
Execute Disable Bit
?
Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.
Yes
Intel AES New Instructions
?
Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.
No
Intel Clear Video HD Technology
?
Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.
No
Intel Clear Video Technology
No
Intel InTru 3D Technology
No
Intel Flex Memory Access
Yes
Intel Quick Sync Video
?
Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.
No

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
241
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
370
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
251
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
463
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
637
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
675

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
357 +48.1%
313 +29.9%
257 +6.6%
32 -86.7%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
693 +87.3%
601 +62.4%
500 +35.1%
58 -84.3%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
338 +34.7%
300 +19.5%
181 -27.9%
85 -66.1%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
688 +48.6%
588 +27%
471 +1.7%
94 -79.7%
Passmark CPU Single Core
878 +37.8%
773 +21.4%
534 -16.2%
355 -44.3%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
1104 +63.6%
896 +32.7%
467 -30.8%
158 -76.6%