Intel Celeron G1850
Intel Celeron G1850: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
The Intel Celeron G1850 is a representative of the budget processor line, released back in 2014. Despite its age, it can still be found in old PCs and on the secondary market. By 2025, this chip is already outdated for most tasks, but it can be useful in specific scenarios. Let's explore who and why might still need it today.
1. Main Specifications
Architecture and Process Technology
The Celeron G1850 is built on the Haswell microarchitecture with a 22 nm process technology. This generation brought improved energy efficiency compared to Ivy Bridge, but in 2025, 22 nm seems archaic (modern processors use 5–7 nm).
Cores and Cache
- 2 cores, 2 threads: the lack of Hyper-Threading limits multitasking.
- L3 cache — 3 MB: the small cache size slows down data processing.
Performance
- Geekbench 6: 543 (single-core), 945 (multi-core). In comparison, the modern budget Intel Celeron G6900 scores around 1800/3500.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD (Haswell) can handle 1080p video but struggles with even old games on low settings.
Key Features
- Low power consumption (TDP 54 W).
- Support for basic instructions SSE4.2 and AVX (but no AVX2).
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
- LGA 1150 Socket: an outdated socket, with no new boards produced since 2015.
- Chipsets: H81, B85, H87, Q87.
Selection Tips
- Example models: ASUS H81M-K, Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H.
- Advice:
- Look for used boards on eBay or local flea markets (price: $20–40).
- Check the condition of VRM modules — old boards often overheat.
- Ensure the BIOS supports Haswell (though this is rare for the Celeron G1850).
3. Supported Memory Types
- DDR3/DDR3L-1333/1600 MHz: modern standards DDR4/DDR5 are not supported.
- Maximum 32 GB (theoretically), but in practice, most boards are limited to 16 GB.
Issues:
- Low memory speed (1600 MHz) hampers even office applications.
- DDR3 is becoming more expensive due to discontinuation.
4. Power Supply Recommendations
- Wattage: A 300–400 W power supply (e.g., EVGA 400 W1) with overhead for HDDs and peripherals.
- Certification: 80+ White or Bronze (e.g., Corsair CX450).
Important:
- If adding a graphics card (like GT 1030), choose a 450 W power supply.
- Cheap power supplies (like Apevia) can damage old components.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Price: used options are $10–15.
- Energy efficiency: suitable for a PC that runs 24/7 (e.g., a file server).
- Integrated graphics: does not require a separate graphics card.
Cons
- Weak performance: struggles even while browsing with 10+ tabs open.
- Outdated standards: lacks USB 3.1, NVMe, HDMI 2.0.
- Compatibility risk: old boards often fail.
6. Usage Scenarios
Office Tasks
- Working with documents, emails, Zoom.
- Example: A PC for a cashier in a small store.
Multimedia
- Watching videos on YouTube (1080p).
- Limitation: 4K is not supported.
Gaming
- Only old titles: Half-Life 2, Minecraft (on low settings).
- Tip: add a GT 1030 for gaming on 2010–2015 level titles.
7. Comparison with Competitors
Intel Celeron G5900 (2020)
- Cores: 2, threads: 2.
- Geekbench 6: ~1100/2100.
- Pros: supports DDR4, LGA 1200 socket.
- Price: $40–50 (new).
AMD Athlon 3000G (2019)
- Cores: 2, threads: 4.
- Geekbench 6: ~1300/2400.
- Pros: unlocked multiplier, Vega graphics.
Conclusion: The G1850 lags behind even budget models from 2019–2020.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is a must: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will speed up system boot.
- RAM: 8 GB DDR3 (2x4 GB) is the minimum for Windows 10/11.
- Cooler: stock cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (e.g., Arctic MX-4).
- Case: any well-ventilated case will do (Deepcool MATREXX 30).
Warning: Don’t invest in upgrades — this is a dead-end platform.
9. Final Verdict: Who is the Celeron G1850 Suitable For?
- Retro computer enthusiasts: building a PC for old games.
- Office PCs: if a cheap computer for Word and Excel is needed.
- Backup systems: for example, a router or print server.
Why is this a poor choice in 2025?
- For the same $50, you can buy a used Core i5-4570 (4 cores, 4 threads) or a new Celeron G6900.
- No support for modern OS: Windows 11 is officially incompatible.
Conclusion
The Intel Celeron G1850 is a relic of the past, justified only in extremely limited scenarios. It should be considered a temporary solution or a nostalgic project. For most users in 2025, it would be wiser to choose a more modern processor, even from the budget segment.