Intel Celeron G1820TE

Intel Celeron G1820TE: Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

Overview of Specifications, Compatibility, and Use Cases

1. Key Specifications: Haswell Architecture in a Modern Context

The Intel Celeron G1820TE processor, released in 2014, remains an example of a budget solution for non-demanding tasks. Despite its age, it can still be found for sale on the second-hand market or in leftover stock.

- Architecture and Process: Based on the Haswell microarchitecture (22 nm). It has two cores without Hyper-Threading support (2 threads), a base frequency of 2.2 GHz, and a 3 MB L3 cache.

- Power Consumption: TDP of 54W — a modest figure even by 2025 standards.

- Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics (Haswell) with a base frequency of 200–1000 MHz. It supports 4K output via DisplayPort but will struggle with modern games.

- Performance: In the Geekbench 6 test (2025) — 415 points (single-core), 629 (multi-core). For comparison, a modern budget processor like the Intel N100 scores around 1100/2500 points.

Key Feature: Low cost (new units, if you find them, are $25–35) and minimal power consumption. Suitable for a "digital template project" build: office, media player, terminal.

2. Compatible Motherboards: A Search on the Edge of Archaeology

The processor uses the LGA 1150 socket, which has long been discontinued. New motherboards for this socket are not being produced, but remnants can occasionally be found:

- Chipsets: H81, B85, H87, Q87. For example, ASUS H81M-K or Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H. In 2025, such models can be found on AliExpress or in niche stores for $50–80 (new).

- Limitations:

- No NVMe support (only through PCIe adapters).

- Maximum of 16 GB DDR3.

- SATA III (6 Gbps) and USB 3.0 ports.

Advice: If you need warranty and new components, it's better to choose a platform based on LGA 1700 or AM5. However, for upgrading an old PC, G1820TE is an option.

3. Memory: DDR3 in the Age of DDR5

The processor supports DDR3-1333/1600 (up to 32 GB theoretically, but practically limited to 16 GB due to chipset restrictions). In 2025, DDR3 is an outdated standard, but modules are still available:

- Cost: 8 GB DDR3-1600 — $15–20 (new).

- Recommendations: Use dual-channel mode (2x4 GB) for a slight performance boost.

Important: DDR3L (low voltage) is also compatible but won't provide any advantages in this case.

4. Power Supply: Minimum Cost

With a TDP of 54W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU:

- Sufficient: A unit rated at 300–400W (for example, be quiet! System Power 10 400W — $45).

- Details:

- If planning to use a discrete graphics card (e.g., GT 1030), choose a PSU with a 6-pin PCIe connector.

- For a completely passive build (without a graphics card), even 250W is sufficient.

Practical Example: A build based on G1820TE, SSD, and integrated graphics consumes around 90W under load.

5. Pros and Cons: Who is it Relevant for in 2025?

Pros:

- Extremely budget price.

- Low power consumption.

- Support for 4K output (for video).

Cons:

- Outdated platform (DDR3, PCIe 2.0).

- Weak performance in multitasking scenarios.

- Lack of support for modern instructions (AVX2, AES-NI).

Conclusion: The processor is suitable only for very narrow tasks.

6. Use Cases: Where Else Can It Be Useful?

- Office PC: Working with documents, browsers, Zoom.

- Home Media Center: Streaming 4K video via Kodi or Plex (with H.264 hardware decoding).

- Retail Point Terminal: Working with accounting or cash register software.

- Entry-Level Server: NAS based on OpenMediaVault (without encryption).

Limitations: It will struggle with video editing or games released after 2015 (e.g., GTA V — only at minimum settings and 720p).

7. Comparison with Competitors: What to Buy Instead?

- Intel Pentium Gold G7400 (2023): 2 cores/4 threads, DDR4, UHD 710. Price — $70. Performance is 2–3 times higher.

- AMD Athlon 3000G (2019): 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 GPU. On the second-hand market — $40. Better for gaming and multi-threaded tasks.

- Intel N100 (2023): 4 cores, TDP of 6W, DDR5 support. Price — $120. Ideal for mini-PCs and energy-efficient systems.

Summary: G1820TE falls short even against budget newcomers but wins in price.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

- SSD is a Must: Kingston A400 240 GB ($20) will eliminate system slowdowns.

- Don’t Overpay for a Graphics Card: Integrated graphics are enough for video. If an upgrade is needed, consider GT 1030 ($80).

- Cooling: Even the box cooler from an old Pentium will suffice.

- Check the BIOS: Old motherboards may require a firmware update.

9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Celeron G1820TE Suitable For?

This processor is a choice for:

1. Upgrading old systems with LGA 1150.

2. Building ultra-budget PCs for offices or digital signage.

3. Individuals seeking minimal cost (for example, schools in developing countries).

Why you shouldn’t buy in 2025? If you need any prospect of an upgrade or support for modern standards (Wi-Fi 6, USB-C), it's better to choose a platform based on Intel Alder Lake-N or AMD Ryzen 3 5300U.

Conclusion: The Intel Celeron G1820TE is a relic of the past that may still serve very specific needs. However, for most users in 2025, it is wiser to look into modern budget solutions.