Intel Celeron N2940
Intel Celeron N2940: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks – Review and Recommendations for 2025
Introduction
Even in 2025, entry-level processors like the Intel Celeron N2940 remain in demand for ultra-budget devices. This chip, released back in 2014, continues to be used in some laptops priced at $200–300. But how relevant is it today? Let’s look into the details.
Architecture and Process: 22 nm and Four Cores Without Hyper-Threading
Key Specifications:
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no Hyper-Threading support).
- Clock Frequencies: Base – 1.83 GHz, turbo boost – up to 2.25 GHz (for short intervals).
- Architecture: Bay Trail-M based on Silvermont microarchitecture (optimized for low power consumption).
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Braswell) with a frequency of 313–854 MHz, 4 execution units (EU).
Architectural Features:
Silvermont was designed for mobile devices and tablets. Its strength lies in energy efficiency rather than performance. Four physical cores can handle simple multi-threaded tasks (e.g., background system updates), but the lack of Hyper-Threading and low clock speeds limit operational speed.
The integrated GPU can handle 1080p video decoding but is not suitable for gaming or rendering. For instance, in Minecraft at low settings, it delivers around 15–20 FPS.
Power Consumption and TDP: 7 W for Passive Cooling
TDP (Thermal Design Power): At 7 W, this is one of the lowest figures among x86 processors. This level allows:
- Use of passive cooling (no fans), which reduces noise and device weight.
- Providing long battery life – up to 10 hours in laptops with a 40–50 Wh battery.
Limitations:
Under active load (e.g., launching a browser with 10+ tabs), the processor quickly reaches its TDP limit, after which it reduces the frequency to the base (1.83 GHz). This leads to "stuttering" in scenarios with sharp load increases.
Performance: Modest Results Even for Office Use
Geekbench 6 Tests (2025):
- Single-Core: 168 (for comparison: Apple M1 – 2300, Intel Core i3-1215U – 1500).
- Multi-Core: 497 (Apple M1 – 8000+, Intel Core i3 – 4500).
Real-World Scenarios:
- Office Tasks: Google Docs and LibreOffice run without lag, but simultaneous opening of PDFs, a messenger, and 5–7 browser tabs may cause slowdowns.
- Multimedia: Watching YouTube at 1080p/60fps is stable, but it lacks power for 4K or streaming on Twitch.
- Gaming: Only lightweight projects like Stardew Valley or Terraria are feasible.
Turbo Boost: The boost up to 2.25 GHz works temporarily (10–15 seconds), which is useful for quick application launches but not for sustained tasks.
Use Cases: Who Should Consider the Celeron N2940 in 2025?
1. Students and Pupils: For working on texts, presentations, and educational platforms (Zoom, Google Classroom).
2. Elderly Users: Viewing photos, videos, and browsing the internet.
3. Backup Devices: Affordable laptops for travel or as a second PC.
Not Suitable for:
- Video/photo editing even in basic editors (e.g., Canva or Paint.NET).
- Modern operating systems with heavy interfaces (Windows 11 may run slowly; better to use Linux or ChromeOS).
Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours, But with Conditions
Impact of the Processor on Battery Life:
With moderate use (browser, office applications), laptops with N2940 and a 45 Wh battery work for 7–9 hours. However:
- Screen brightness should be around 50%.
- Background processes (updates, antivirus) can reduce time by 1–2 hours.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamically changes frequency based on load.
- C-States: Disables unused cores when idle.
Comparison with Competitors: Outdated but Cheap
1. AMD A4-9120C (2019):
- 2 cores/2 threads, TDP 6 W.
- Better graphics (Radeon R4) but worse multi-threaded performance.
- Device price: $250–300.
2. Apple A14 Bionic (in iPad 2021):
- 3–4 times faster in single-threaded tasks.
- However, macOS devices with a similar price ($300+) do not exist—only iPads.
3. Intel Pentium Silver N6000 (2021):
- 4 cores/4 threads, 10 nm, TDP 6 W.
- 30–40% faster in multi-thread than N2940, but laptops start at $350.
Conclusion: The N2940 falls short even against budget models from 2021–2023, but its strong point is its price.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Device cost: $200–300.
- Passive cooling (quiet operation).
- Sufficient for basic tasks on Linux/ChromeOS.
Weaknesses:
- Low performance for Windows 11.
- Does not support modern standards (USB 3.1, Wi-Fi 6).
- Limited update lifespan (drivers and BIOS).
Laptop Selection Recommendations
Types of Devices:
- Chromebooks: For example, ASUS Chromebook C423 (price: $220) – optimal due to the lightweight OS.
- Ultra-budget Windows Laptops: Proceed with caution! It's better to choose models with 8 GB RAM and an SSD (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 1 – $270).
What to Pay Attention To:
1. Operating System: ChromeOS or Linux is preferable to Windows.
2. Screen: An IPS panel with a minimum resolution of 1920×1080 – TN panels with poor viewing angles can still be found.
3. Memory: 8 GB of RAM is essential – 4 GB in 2025 is insufficient even for browsing.
Final Conclusion
The Intel Celeron N2940 in 2025 is a choice for those needing the most affordable laptop for basic tasks:
- Working with documents and emails.
- Watching YouTube and messaging.
- Using it as a "TV" or reading device.
Key Benefits:
- Price below $300.
- Quiet operation with no fans.
- Compatibility with lightweight operating systems.
However, for any serious work, including multitasking or modern applications, consider devices based on Intel N100 (2023) or AMD Ryzen 3 7320U – their prices start at $400, but they offer 3–5 times the performance.