Celeron 3855U
CPU·Budget

Celeron 3855U

Intel

PassMark

1,215

15 August 2015 (10 years ago)
15 Watt
Skylake (2015−2016)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

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.

Overview

The Celeron 3855U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) 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 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, LPDDR3-1600/1866, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,215 points. Launch price was $107.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron 3855U is positioned at rank #193 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 3855U

#181
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
362%
#182
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
357%
#183
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
328%
#184
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
326%
#185
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
323%
#187
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
312%
#188
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
299%
#189
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
299%
#190
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
291%
#193
Celeron 3855U
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#194
Pentium Gold 4417U
MSRP: $161|Avg: N/A
100%
#195
Atom N475
MSRP: $75|Avg: N/A
100%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron 3855U specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron 3855U is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 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 1,215, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 361, while multi-core reaches 632.

SpecificationCeleron 3855U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSkylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores2 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor98.57 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1750 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,215
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming361
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance632
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 3855U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 10 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-1866/2133, LPDDR3-1600/1866, DDR3L-1333/1600 memory at speeds up to DDR4 2133 MHz (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 510 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron 3855U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1356
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion10
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4-1866/2133, LPDDR3-1600/1866, DDR3L-1333/1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR4 2133 MHz
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics 510
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUFCBGA1356
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
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Advanced Features

The Celeron 3855U is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium 3825U.

SpecificationCeleron 3855U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologytrue
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPentium 3825U
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Power & Cooling

The Celeron 3855U 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 (Laptop).

SpecificationCeleron 3855U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock (Laptop)
💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #193 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2939 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron 3855U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$107
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#193
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2939
Release DateLaunch date15 August 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron 3855U

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