Intel Celeron G1840T
Intel Celeron G1840T: Budget Processor of 2025 – Is It Worth Considering?
Introduction
The Intel Celeron G1840T processor, released in 2014, still finds its way into budget builds due to its low cost and moderate power consumption. However, its relevance in 2025 is questionable. Let's explore who might find this chip useful and what compromises one might have to make.
Key Features
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The Celeron G1840T is built on the Haswell microarchitecture (4th generation Intel Core) with a 22 nm manufacturing process. This dual-core processor does not support hyper-threading (2 cores / 2 threads), has a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz, and features a 3 MB L3 cache. The integrated Intel HD graphics (Haswell) operates at a frequency of 200–1050 MHz.
Performance
According to Geekbench 6 (2025):
- Single-core test: 495 points.
- Multi-core test: 849 points.
For comparison, the modern budget Intel Celeron G6900 (Alder Lake, 2023) scores approximately 1500 points in the single-core test. The G1840T is suitable only for basic tasks: document work, video playback, light internet browsing.
Key Features
- Low TDP: 54 W – ideal for compact systems.
- Integrated graphics: Allows for operation without a discrete graphics card.
- Price: New processors (if still available) cost $30–40.
Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA1150 socket. Compatible chipsets include:
- H81, B85, H87, Q87 – for home PCs.
- H97, Z97 – more advanced but rare in 2025.
Examples of motherboards:
- ASRock H81M-DGS R2.0 – a basic model ($50–60 in 2025 if you find a new one).
- Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H – with support for SATA 6 Gb/s and USB 3.0.
Selection Features:
- New LGA1150 motherboards are virtually no longer produced. Most options are used.
- Check BIOS support: some motherboards require an update for Haswell.
Supported Memory Types
The Celeron G1840T only works with DDR3:
- Frequencies: 1333 MHz and 1600 MHz (depending on the motherboard).
- Maximum capacity: 32 GB (theoretically), but practically 8–16 GB due to the limitations of older motherboards.
Important: DDR4 and DDR5 are not supported. DDR3L (low-voltage) memory is compatible but does not offer performance benefits.
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 54 W, systems with the Celeron G1840T are not demanding on the PSU:
- Without a discrete graphics card: A 250–300 W power supply is sufficient (e.g., Be Quiet! SFX Power 3, 300W, $40).
- With a graphics card like the NVIDIA GT 1030: Choose a PSU of 400–450 W (Corsair CX450, $55).
Tip: Don’t skimp on the PSU for older systems—low-quality models can damage components.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Energy efficiency: Suitable for passive cooling or compact cases.
- Price: One of the lowest on the market (for remaining stock).
- Reliability: Haswell is known for stability.
Disadvantages
- Weak performance: Cannot handle video editing, gaming, or heavy applications.
- Outdated platform: No support for NVMe, USB 3.1, or Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited compatibility: Hard to find new components.
Use Cases
Office Tasks
- Example: Working with Excel, Word, browser (up to 10 tabs).
- Recommendations: Add an SSD (e.g., Kingston A400, 240 GB, $25) to speed up the system.
Multimedia
- Video: Streaming 1080p (YouTube, Netflix).
- Limitations: 4K is not supported.
Gaming
- Capabilities: Only older or 2D games (Half-Life 2, Stardew Valley) at low settings.
- Advice: For gaming, it's better to add a GTX 750 Ti graphics card (used, $50).
Comparison with Competitors
Intel Celeron G5900 (Comet Lake, 2020)
- Pros: Supports DDR4, 2 cores / 2 threads, but higher clock speed (3.4 GHz).
- Price: $50 (new).
- Geekbench 6: ~650 (Single), ~1200 (Multi).
AMD Athlon 3000G (Zen, 2019)
- Pros: 2 cores / 4 threads, Vega 3 graphics, unlocked multiplier.
- Price: $60 (new).
- Geekbench 6: ~800 (Single), ~1600 (Multi).
Conclusion: G1840T underperforms compared to even budget models from the 2020s but is cheaper.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Choosing a Motherboard: Look for models with USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s (e.g., ASUS H81M-K).
2. RAM: 8 GB DDR3 is the minimum for 2025.
3. Storage: An SSD is essential (even a budget one).
4. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, consider the Arctic Alpine 11 GT ($15).
5. Upgrade Considerations: Don’t invest heavily in this platform—it’s a temporary solution.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the Celeron G1840T For?
The Celeron G1840T should only be considered in three scenarios:
1. Super budget build: For example, a PC for a cashier or kiosk (up to $150).
2. Upgrading an old computer: If the motherboard already supports LGA1150.
3. Energy-efficient systems: A media center or router with PC-like functions.
Alternative: If the budget allows for $100–150, consider the AMD Athlon 3000G or Intel Celeron G6900—they are far more promising.
Conclusion
In 2025, the Intel Celeron G1840T is a relic that may still find use in niche scenarios. Its main advantages are price and minimal power consumption. However, for most users, even budget modern processors will be a better investment.