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Overview

The Celeron 2981U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,036 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Celeron 2981U

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

115%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

114%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

112%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

111%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

110%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

109%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

109%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

108%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

106%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

103%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

103%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

102%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

102%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

102%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

101%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

100%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

100%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

99%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

98%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

97%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

94%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

93%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

93%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

91%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

90%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#370

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

89%

#371

Core M-5Y70

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

89%

#372

Core i7-4510U

MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron 2981U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron 2981U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Celeron 2981U is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.6 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,036, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Celeron 2981U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	1.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	2 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,036

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 2981U fits into the FCBGA1168 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics (Haswell) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Celeron 2981U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1168
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	12
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics (Haswell)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Wildcat Point-LP
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron 2981U is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium 2117U.

Specification	Celeron 2981U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium 2117U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron 2981U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Celeron 2981U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $137, the Celeron 2981U delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #3046 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Celeron 2981U
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$137
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3046
Release DateLaunch date	2007-01-01
Release Year	2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Celeron
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$69
Release Date	2007-01-01
Architecture Codename	Haswell (2013−2015)
Performance Ranking Position	3046

Technical Specifications

12 specs

Cores	2
Threads	2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	2 MB
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	1.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.6 GHz
Process Technology	22 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-