Intel Celeron N2810
Intel Celeron N2810: Outdated but Alive. Who Is It Relevant for in 2025?
Introduction
In 2025, budget laptops are still in demand, especially in developing economies. The Intel Celeron N2810, a processor released over ten years ago, can still be found in new devices priced between $200–$300. Why hasn’t it disappeared from the market? Who is this chip suitable for and what compromises will need to be made? Let’s delve into the details.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: Minimum Ambitions
Cores, Threads, and Frequencies
The Celeron N2810 is built on the Silvermont microarchitecture (codename Bay Trail-M) with a 22 nm manufacturing process. It is a dual-core CPU without Hyper-Threading support: 2 cores, 2 threads. The base frequency is 2.0 GHz, with Turbo Boost raising it to 2.13 GHz, but only under single-core load.
Integrated Graphics
The integrated GPU is Intel HD Graphics (Gen7) with frequencies ranging from 313–756 MHz. The graphics support DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.0, and resolutions up to 2560x1600. However, this is insufficient for modern tasks: even YouTube in 4K will stutter.
Key feature: The architecture is optimized for energy efficiency rather than performance. There is no support for AVX2, AES-NI, or modern instructions.
Power Consumption and TDP: The Main Advantage
The CPU's TDP is 7 W. This allows for passive cooling, reducing noise and the thickness of the chassis.
Power Saving Technologies
- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamically adjusts frequency based on load.
- C-states: Disables unused cores to save energy.
- Display Power Saving Technology (DPST): Lowers screen brightness in the background.
Practical example: In idle mode (web browsing, text editing), the processor consumes 2–3 W. When playing 4K video, consumption may rise to 5 W.
Performance: Realistic Expectations
Office Tasks and Multimedia
- Microsoft Office, Google Docs: Runs smoothly, but opening 10+ tabs in Chrome will cause stuttering.
- YouTube: 1080p/60fps works fine, but 4K drops frames.
- Zoom/Google Meet: Basic video calls are possible, but background noise cancellation or effects will overload the CPU.
Gaming
- Minecraft (Low settings): 25–30 FPS.
- CS:GO (720p, minimum settings): 15–20 FPS.
- Modern games (2025): Only 2D platformers or projects like Stardew Valley are feasible.
Turbo Mode: Minimal Gain
Boosting to 2.13 GHz is hardly noticeable. The reason is the limited TDP: even if one core overclocks, the other will remain at the base frequency.
Use Cases: Who Is the Celeron N2810 For?
1. Students: For preparing reports, working with Google Classroom.
2. Senior Citizens: Social media, HD video, Skype calls.
3. Backup Laptop: For travel or as a secondary device.
4. Cashiers/Office Kiosks: Running lightweight CRM systems.
Important! Not suitable for:
- Video/photo editing (even in Lightroom).
- Modern OS with heavy interfaces (e.g., Windows 11 with effects enabled).
Battery Life: Not Just the Processor
With a battery capacity of 35–42 Wh, operation time reaches 6–8 hours (web surfing, office tasks). However, battery life also depends on other components:
- Display: Low-power matrices (e.g., TN with LED backlighting).
- Storage: SSD preferred over HDD.
- OS Optimization: Linux (Lubuntu, Xubuntu) can extend battery life by 1-2 hours compared to Windows 11.
Competition Comparison: Who Else is in the Same League?
AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2020)
- Pros: 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3 GPU (30% faster).
- Cons: TDP 6 W, but higher price ($350–400).
Intel Pentium Silver N5030 (2019)
- Pros: 4 cores, DDR4 support.
- Cons: TDP 6 W, but in Geekbench 6 Multi-Core tests, it scores 580 points (compared to 223 for the N2810).
Apple M1 (2020)
Comparison is not valid: the M1 chip is 5–7 times faster, but laptops featuring it start at $800.
Conclusion: The Celeron N2810 is the weakest in its class. Its advantage lies in the price of devices ($200–$300).
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Price: Laptops under $300.
- Quiet operation: No fan.
- Compactness: Devices weighing from 1.2 kg.
Weaknesses
- Outdated architecture: No support for Wi-Fi 6, USB-C.
- Low performance: Lag during multitasking.
- Limited compatibility: New versions of Windows may not be optimized for Silvermont.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
What to Look For?
1. RAM: At least 4 GB, preferably 8 GB (rare in this segment).
2. Storage: SSD is a must (even 128 GB).
3. Display: IPS matrix for eye comfort.
4. Ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 for connecting monitors and external drives.
Examples of 2025 Models
- HP Stream 14: $229, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, 14" HD display.
- Lenovo Ideapad 1: $279, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 15.6" TN display.
Final Conclusion: Who Is It For?
The Intel Celeron N2810 in 2025 is for those who:
- Are not willing to pay more than $300.
- Do not require high performance.
- Value portability and silence.
Key benefits:
- Affordability.
- Sufficient for basic tasks.
- Long battery life.
Caution! Such a laptop is a temporary solution. In just 1-2 years, it may struggle with software updates.
If your budget allows for an additional $100–$150, consider devices with the Intel N100 (Alder Lake-N) or AMD Ryzen 3 7320U: they are 3–4 times faster and support modern standards.