Intel Celeron G1820
Intel Celeron G1820 in 2025: Budget Relic or Relevant Solution?
A comprehensive review of the processor for budget-conscious users
Key Specifications: What Does the "Old Timer" Haswell Hide?
The Intel Celeron G1820 processor, released in 2014, is still available for sale due to its low cost and reliability. Its Haswell architecture (22 nm) features two cores without Hyper-Threading support, which limits multitasking capabilities. The base clock frequency is 2.7 GHz, and the thermal design power (TDP) is 54 W, making it energy-efficient even by 2025 standards.
Key Features:
- Integrated Intel HD graphics (Haswell) with a base frequency of 350 MHz – sufficient for basic image output and low-demand games like Minecraft on low settings.
- 3 MB of L3 cache – modest, but adequate for office tasks.
- Support for SSE4.1/4.2 and AVX 2.0 instructions – useful for speeding up certain applications, such as video converters.
Performance:
Geekbench 6 tests (513/853 points) indicate that the processor handles:
- Web browsing (5-7 tabs).
- Streaming video up to 1080p.
- Running lightweight applications like LibreOffice or Zoom.
However, video rendering in DaVinci Resolve or code compilation will be a test of patience.
Compatible Motherboards: How to Make the Right Choice?
The LGA 1150 socket is the main point of reference. Suitable chipsets include:
- H81/B85 – optimal for basic builds (2 RAM slots, SATA 3.0).
- H87/Z87 – for upgrades (RAID support, more USB 3.0 ports).
Choosing Tips for 2025:
- No new boards are being produced. Prices for refurbished models range from $40 (H81) to $80 (Z87).
- Check the condition of the capacitors and the presence of the latest BIOS version.
- Avoid boards with damaged PCIe slots – they may limit NVMe SSD connections via an adapter.
Real-Life Example:
A Reddit user built a media center using the G1820 and an ASRock H81M-HDS motherboard purchased for $45. The system has been running steadily for 3 years but does not support HDMI 2.0 – a DisplayPort had to be used for 4K@30Hz.
Memory: DDR3 as a Nod to the Past
The Celeron G1820 supports only DDR3-1333/1600 MHz. The maximum volume is 32 GB (theoretically), but in practice, motherboards rarely have more than two slots.
Recommendations:
- 8 GB (2x4 GB) – the minimum for Windows 11 (with registry modifications, the OS is not officially supported).
- 16 GB – for light multitasking (browser + office applications).
Important:
- DDR3 is cheaper than DDR4/DDR5 (8 GB costs $15-20) but lags in speed.
- There's no point in buying memory with frequencies higher than 1600 MHz – the processor won’t utilize it.
Power Supply: Saving Without Risk
With a TDP of 54 W, even a modest 300 W PSU will be more than adequate. However, consider other components:
- Integrated graphics – PSU of 300-400 W (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $45).
- Discrete graphics card like the GTX 1050 – 450 W (Corsair CX450, $55).
Tip:
Don’t skimp on the power supply! Cheap models like Apevia Venus (300W, $25) may fail and damage components.
Pros and Cons: Who Should Take the Risk?
Pros:
- Price: New processor – $30-40, used – from $10.
- Low power consumption – suitable for continuously running PCs (e.g., home servers).
- Integrated graphics – no need for a separate graphics card.
Cons:
- No support for modern standards: USB 3.1, PCIe 4.0, NVMe (only via adapter).
- Limited upgrade potential – the next step would be a platform change.
Use Cases: Where is the G1820 Still Relevant?
1. Office PC: Word, Excel, email – the processor won’t disappoint.
2. Media Center: Streaming 1080p video (Netflix, YouTube), music.
3. Educational PC for Kids: Learning, browser games.
4. Retro Gaming: Games from the 2000s (Half-Life 2, The Sims 2) or emulators up to PS1.
Real Example:
On the Linus Tech Tips forum, a user built a file server using the G1820 with TrueNAS operating system. Power consumption is 25 W when idle, and costs are under $100 (excluding drives).
Comparison with Competitors: Who is Better in 2025?
- AMD Athlon 3000G (price: $60): 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 graphics, DDR4 support. Geekbench 6 performance – 620/1150. Conclusion: More expensive, but more powerful.
- Intel Pentium Gold G6400 (price: $80): 2 cores/4 threads, UHD 610, DDR4-2400. Geekbench 6 – 950/1800. The best choice for those needing a modern platform.
- Raspberry Pi 5 (price: $80): ARM processor, 8 GB RAM. Suitable for Linux enthusiasts, but lacks x86 compatibility.
Conclusion: The G1820 only wins on price but loses on performance and prospects.
Building Tips: How to Avoid Mistakes?
1. Choosing an SSD: Even a SATA SSD (Kingston A400, $25) will speed up the system.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4, $5).
3. Graphics Card: If gaming is needed, add a GTX 1650 (doesn’t require additional power).
4. Operating System: Linux (Lubuntu) or Windows 10 LTSC – to save resources.
Warning: Do not install Windows 11 – lack of TPM 2.0 and official support for the processor.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Celeron G1820 Suitable For?
This processor is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users needing a PC for $150-200.
- Enthusiasts experimenting with retro computers.
- Owners of old systems, where the G1820 serves as a temporary solution.
Why not buy it? If you plan to work with graphics, play newest games, or use modern OSs – even budget options like AMD Athlon or Intel Pentium Gold are more sensible. But for simple tasks, the G1820 remains as resilient as the legendary "Zhiguli" among processors.