Intel Celeron J4005
Intel Celeron J4005: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks
April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Code Name and Manufacturing Process
The Intel Celeron J4005 processor, released in 2018, is based on the Gemini Lake microarchitecture with a 14 nm manufacturing process. Despite its age, it has remained relevant in the ultra-budget niche by 2025. Key features include:
- 2 cores / 2 threads with no Hyper-Threading support.
- Base frequency of 2.0 GHz (no turbo mode).
- TDP of 10 W — ideal for passive cooling.
- Integrated Intel UHD 600 graphics (base frequency of 250 MHz).
Performance
According to Geekbench 6 tests (2025):
- Single-core score: 361 — sufficient for light tasks.
- Multi-core score: 623 — limited multitasking.
Key Features
- Energy efficiency: suitable for mini-PCs and systems with passive cooling.
- 4K support via HDMI 2.0 (limited to 30 Hz).
- Hardware video decoding for H.265 and VP9 formats.
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The processor is integrated into boards via a BGA socket 1090, which means:
- No possibility of CPU replacement — it is soldered onto the motherboard.
- Popular chipsets: Gemini Lake (for example, Intel H410 for embedded systems).
Selection Recommendations
Ready-made solutions based on the J4005 include mini-PCs (such as the ASUS PN40 or Lenovo ThinkCentre M715q Tiny) and industrial motherboards (like the ASRock J4005-ITX). The average price of new systems is $150–250 (2025).
Features
- Port availability: look for models with HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1, and M.2 for SSDs.
- For office tasks, boards with 1–2 RAM slots are sufficient.
3. Supported Memory
Types and Configurations
- DDR4-2400 MHz (maximum capacity — up to 16 GB).
- Dual-channel mode improves graphics performance by 15–20%.
Practical Examples
- For Windows 11 (minimum requirements), 4 GB is sufficient, but 8 GB is better.
- In Linux systems (like Lubuntu), 4 GB is enough for browsing and office applications.
4. Power Supplies: How to Choose Wisely
Recommendations
- Power: even 150 W is sufficient (the processor consumes up to 10 W + 15–30 W for other components).
- Form factor: external power supplies (like a 65 W adapter) are suitable for mini-PCs.
- Energy efficiency: 80+ Bronze certification is excessive but enhances reliability.
Tip
Use fanless units (like the PicoPSU) for completely silent builds.
5. Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Price: ready-made systems for under $250.
- Quiet operation: passive cooling in most scenarios.
- Energy efficiency: ideal for 24/7 operation (such as a home server).
Disadvantages
- Weak performance: may lag with 10+ tabs open in Chrome.
- No upgrade options: cannot replace the CPU or add PCIe devices.
- Graphics: won’t handle even old games on low settings (e.g., CS:GO — 15–20 frames per second).
6. Use Cases
Office and Study
- Working with documents (Word, Excel), Zoom conferences.
- Example: office PC in a small company with a limited budget.
Multimedia
- 4K video (via hardware decoding).
- Media center based on Kodi or Plex (but no real-time transcoding).
Specialized Tasks
- Digital signage, self-service terminals.
- Home file server based on OpenMediaVault.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
- Pros: 2 cores / 4 threads, Vega 2 graphics (30% faster).
- Cons: TDP 15 W, systems more expensive ($300+).
- Conclusion: better for light gaming (Minecraft, Roblox).
Rockchip RK3588 (ARM)
- Pros: supports HDMI 2.1, 8K, starting price of $100.
- Cons: compatibility only with Linux/Android.
- Conclusion: a choice for open-source enthusiasts.
8. Assembly Tips
Optimal Configuration
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4-2400 (dual-channel mode).
- Storage: 256 GB NVMe SSD (like Kingston A2000).
- OS: Windows 11 LTSC or Linux Mint.
What to Avoid
- A discrete graphics card — the CPU will become a "bottleneck."
- HDD as a system disk — slows down even basic tasks.
Case Example
A mini-PC in an ASRock DeskMini case — compactness, quiet operation, power consumption under 20 W.
9. Final Verdict: Who is the Celeron J4005 Suitable For?
This processor is for those seeking:
- A budget system for office, study, or media centers.
- An energy-efficient solution for 24/7 operation.
- A mini-PC without noise (for example, for a bedroom or library).
Why Not to Consider It?
If gaming, rendering, or working with "heavy" applications (Photoshop, Visual Studio) is needed — it’s better to invest in an AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3.
Price/Quality in 2025: 4/5 (in its niche).