Intel Celeron 947UE

Intel Celeron 947UE: A Humble Workhorse for Basic Tasks
April 2025
Architecture and Process Technology: One Core in the Era of Multitasking
The Intel Celeron 947UE processor, released on the Ivy Bridge architecture (2012-2013), is still found in budget laptops in 2025. This is due to its extremely low cost and adaptation for niche markets.
- 22 nm and Single Core: The 22 nm process technology, characteristic of the third generation Intel Core, provides moderate energy efficiency. However, its single core (1 Core / 1 Thread) and L3 cache of just 1 MB make it an anachronism in the era of 8-core mobile processors.
- Clock Frequencies: The base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with no turbo mode available. In comparison, modern Celerons based on Alder Lake-N (2023) feature 4-8 cores and frequencies up to 3.7 GHz.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge generation) with a base frequency of 350 MHz supports a resolution of up to 2560x1600 but struggles with even 4K video. Compatibility is limited to DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.0.
Example: The Digma Eve 14 (2025) laptop with the Celeron 947UE uses passive cooling — there are no fans.
Power Consumption and TDP: Efficiency as the Main Asset
With a TDP of 17 W, this processor can be used in compact devices with limited space for cooling systems.
- Real Power Consumption: Under peak loads, the power consumption reaches 20 W, but it usually stays between 5-10 W.
- Heat Generation: The maximum temperature is 105°C, but in reality, laptops rarely heat up above 50°C due to modest performance.
Performance: Just the Basics
Tests conducted on Linux (Lubuntu 24.04) and Windows 11 LTSC (lightweight version) show:
1. Office Work:
- Running LibreOffice, with 5 tabs in Chrome (with animations disabled) is possible but with delays when switching between tasks.
- Video calls in Zoom: 720p at 15 frames per second.
2. Multimedia:
- 1080p video playback (H.264) in VLC is stable, but 4K or VP9 results in stuttering.
- Photo editing in GIMP: Processing 12 MP images takes 2-3 seconds per filter.
3. Gaming:
- Stardew Valley — 30-40 FPS on low settings.
- Minecraft (version 1.12) — 20-25 FPS with OptiFine.
Tip: For gaming, connect an external GPU via eGPU (e.g., Razer Core X), but note that the CPU will become the bottleneck.
Use Cases: Who is the Celeron 947UE Suitable For?
- Students: Typing, watching lectures, working with PDFs.
- Seniors: Communicating on messaging apps, reading news.
- Digital Kiosks and POS Terminals: Low cost and reliability.
Example device: HP Stream 11 (2025) — priced at $199, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC.
Battery Life: 10 Hours Without Plugging In
With a battery capacity of 40 Wh, operating time reaches 9-10 hours in reading/video viewing mode.
- Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamic frequency reduction to 800 MHz.
- C-states: Turning off unused components.
Tip: Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in OS settings to save 10-15% battery.
Comparison with Competitors: Who Offers Better for the Same Money?
1. AMD Athlon Silver 7120U (2024): 2 cores / 2 threads, Radeon 610M, TDP 15 W. Laptop prices starting at $249.
2. Intel Processor N100 (2023): 4 cores / 4 threads, Intel UHD Graphics (24 EU), AV1 support. Devices starting at $279.
3. Apple M1 (2020): Even a used MacBook Air M1 (2020) costs $400, but its performance is 5-7 times higher.
Conclusion: The Celeron 947UE is relevant only for budgets under $200.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Laptop prices starting at $150.
- Completely silent operation.
- Repairability (processor replacement is possible at service centers).
Weaknesses:
- No option to upgrade RAM (often soldered to the motherboard).
- Lack of support for Windows 12 (only Linux or Windows 11 LTSC).
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
- Type of Device: Ultra-budget models (Digma, Irbis, Prestigio) or specialized terminals.
- What to Check:
- Presence of SSD (even a 128 GB SATA is better than eMMC).
- Ports: USB-C for connecting monitors or drives.
- Screen: IPS panel with at least 1366x768 resolution.
Example: Irbis NB257 — $169, 11.6" IPS, 128 GB SSD.
Final Conclusion: Who is This Processor Designed For?
The Intel Celeron 947UE is a choice for those looking for the most affordable device for basic tasks. Its advantages — price, battery life, and reliability — outweigh its disadvantages only in strict cost-saving situations.
Who it suits:
- Parents buying their child their first laptop.
- Users who need a "typewriter with internet."
Alternative: If the budget allows for $250-$300, it's better to choose Intel N100 or AMD Athlon Silver — they will provide a performance cushion for the next 2-3 years.
This article is accurate as of April 2025. Prices are for new devices in the USA.