Intel Celeron J3455E

Intel Celeron J3455E

Intel Celeron J3455E: An Affordable Processor for Compact Systems

April 2025


1. Key Features: Modest, Yet Functional

The Intel Celeron J3455E processor, released in 2016, remains a popular choice for budget and energy-efficient systems. Despite its age, its Apollo Lake (14 nm) architecture and specifications are suitable for low-demand tasks.

Technical Details:

- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no Hyper-Threading).

- Frequencies: Base — 1.5 GHz, Turbo mode — up to 2.3 GHz.

- TDP: 10W — perfect for passive cooling.

- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500 (base frequency 250 MHz, turbo — 750 MHz).

- Performance: Geekbench 6 — 296 (single-core), 848 (multi-core).

Key Features:

- Support for 4K via HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort.

- Integration with VP9 and HEVC hardware decoding for streaming video.

- Compatibility with Windows 11 (requires workarounds due to lack of TPM 2.0 in the chip).


2. Compatible Motherboards: Limited Choices

The Celeron J3455E uses a BGA socket, meaning the processor is soldered onto the board and cannot be replaced. This limits the choice of ready-made solutions.

Examples of Boards (2025):

- ASRock J3455-ITX (Mini-ITX, 2x SATA, HDMI, 1x LAN) — $90–$110.

- Fujitsu D3644-B (Micro-ATX, 4x USB 3.0, COM port) — $120–$140.

Recommendations:

- Look for boards with M.2 for Wi-Fi (e.g., ASRock J3455B-ITX).

- For media centers, HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort are important.

- Check for support for SATA 3.0 and USB 3.1 — this will accelerate SSD performance.


3. Memory: DDR3L and Limitations

The processor supports DDR3L-1866 and LPDDR3-1866, but does not work with DDR4 or DDR5.

Selection Tips:

- Maximum capacity — 8 GB (2x4 GB).

- Use dual-channel mode to improve graphics performance.

- Example: Patriot Signature Line DDR3L-1866 4 GB — $15 per module.

Limitations:

- Low memory bandwidth — a bottleneck for multitasking.


4. Power Supplies: Low-Power and Quiet

With a TDP of 10W, a system based on the J3455E consumes no more than 25–30W under load (with SSD and peripherals).

Recommendations:

- Power supplies rated 150–200W (e.g., FSP Flex-ATX 200W — $40).

- For completely passive builds, PicoPSU rated at 80–120W ($50–$70) is suitable.

- Avoid cheap noname units — even low-power systems require stable voltage.


5. Pros and Cons: A Balance for Niche Tasks

Pros:

- Energy Efficiency: Operates with Power Delivery via USB-C (e.g., in Asus PN40 mini PC).

- Price: Ready-made systems based on J3455E start at $150 (new).

- Silence: Passive cooling with no fans.

Cons:

- Weak Performance: Struggles with Photoshop, 3D rendering, or modern games.

- Outdated Memory: DDR3L limits upgrade options.

- No Processor Replacement: BGA socket makes upgrades impossible.


6. Use Cases: Where J3455E is Relevant in 2025

Office and Web:

- Working with documents, browsers (up to 10 tabs), Zoom. Example: Office PC based on Minisforum M1 (price — $170).

Media Center:

- 4K playback via Kodi or Plex (with hardware decoding).

Smart Home and IoT:

- Home Assistant server or sensor node.

Gaming:

- Only old titles like Half-Life 2, Minecraft (at low settings, 720p).


7. Competitors: What to Choose Instead of J3455E

AMD A6-9500E (2017):

- Pros: DDR4 support, better Radeon R5 graphics.

- Cons: Higher TDP (35W), more expensive (systems from $200).

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c (2023):

- Pros: ARM architecture, battery life, Wi-Fi 6 support.

- Cons: Limited compatibility with x86 software.

Intel N100 (2023):

- Pros: Xe graphics, DDR5, TDP 6W.

- Cons: Price (systems from $250).


8. Assembly Tips: How to Not Go Wrong

For Media Centers:

- Case: Akasa Turing (passive cooling, $60).

- Storage: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25).

- OS: LibreELEC for minimal loads.

For Office:

- Monitor: Dell P2422H (24″, HDMI, $160).

- Peripherals: Logitech MK270 (keyboard + mouse, $25).

What to Avoid:

- HDD instead of SSD — this is a speed killer.

- Attempting to run Windows 11 without modifications.


9. Conclusion: Who is the Celeron J3455E Suitable For

This processor is suitable for those who need:

- A budget PC for basic tasks.

- An energy-efficient media center or server.

- A compact system without fans.

Target Audience:

- Students, office workers, smart home enthusiasts.

Alternatives in 2025:

If the budget allows, it’s better to opt for the Intel N100 or AMD Ryzen 3 7320U — they offer modern technology and future-proofing.


Summary: The Intel Celeron J3455E is not a king of performance but a reliable workhorse for specific tasks. Its strengths are price and minimalism, not power.

Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
July 2019
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
J3455E
Code Name
Apollo Lake

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
4
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Performance-cores
4
Performance-core Base Frequency
1.5 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency
?
Maximum P-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
2.3 GHz
L1 Cache
32K per core
L2 Cache
2MB shared
Bus Frequency
100MHz
Multiplier
15x
Unlocked Multiplier
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
BGA-1296
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
10 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
105 °C
PCIe Version
?
PCI Express is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard used for connecting high-speed components, replacing older standards such as AGP, PCI, and PCI-X. It has gone through multiple revisions and improvements since its initial release. PCIe 1.0 was first introduced in 2002, and in order to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth, subsequent versions have been released over time.
2.0
Instruction Set
?
The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.
x86-64

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
LPDDR4-2400
Max Memory Size
?
Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.
8GB
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
2
Max Memory Bandwidth
?
Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).
29.9 GB/s
ECC Memory Support
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
True
GPU Max Dynamic Frequency
750 MHz

Miscellaneous

PCIe Lanes
6

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
296
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
848
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
342
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
1249
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
846
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
2193

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
381 +28.7%
346 +16.9%
243 -17.9%
149 -49.7%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
1056 +24.5%
949 +11.9%
705 -16.9%
613 -27.7%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
409 +19.6%
372 +8.8%
303 -11.4%
256 -25.1%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
1408 +12.7%
1349 +8%
1163 -6.9%
1082 -13.4%
Passmark CPU Single Core
1008 +19.1%
948 +12.1%
750 -11.3%
623 -26.4%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
2500 +14%
2320 +5.8%
2016 -8.1%
1906 -13.1%