Celeron J4125 vs Core i5-4308U

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Celeron J4125 vs Core i5-4308U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Celeron J4125 vs Core i5-4308U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Celeron J4125

2019

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 10W instead of 512W, a 502W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,936 vs 2,978).

Core i5-4308U

2014

Why buy it

✅100% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 6) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌5020% higher power demand at 512W vs 10W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4308U better than Celeron J4125?

Yes. Core i5-4308U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4308U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4308U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-4308U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4308U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron J4125 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron J4125 vs Core i5-4308U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Celeron J4125

The Celeron J4125 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,936 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i5-4308U

The Core i5-4308U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,978 points. Launch price was $315.

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Processing Power

The Celeron J4125 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4308U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron J4125 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Celeron J4125 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-4308U — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i5-4308U (base: 2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Celeron J4125 uses the Gemini Lake Refresh (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4308U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron J4125 scores 2,936 against the Core i5-4308U's 2,978 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-4308U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Celeron J4125 vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4308U.

Feature	Celeron J4125	Core i5-4308U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.3 GHz+22%
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.8 GHz+40%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	4 MB (total)+700%	512 kB
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,936	2,978+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron J4125 uses the FCBGA1090 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4308U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2400 on the Celeron J4125 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4308U — the Celeron J4125 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4308U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 6 (Celeron J4125) vs 12 (Core i5-4308U) — the Core i5-4308U offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Celeron J4125	Core i5-4308U
Socket	FCBGA1090	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	2400+50%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	6	12+100%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Celeron J4125) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4308U). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 600 (Celeron J4125) and Iris Graphics 5100 (Core i5-4308U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4308U targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Celeron J4125 rivals Ryzen Embedded R1305G.