Celeron 857
CPU·Budget

Celeron 857

Intel

PassMark

705

MSRP

$134

AVG Price

$10

1 July 2011 (14 years ago)
17 Watt
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)

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 857 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 705 points. Launch price was $134.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron 857 is positioned at rank #1201 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 857

#1189
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
5578%
#1190
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
5496%
#1191
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
5046%
#1192
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
5023%
#1193
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
4977%
#1195
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
4806%
#1196
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
4608%
#1197
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
4601%
#1198
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
4477%
#1201
Celeron 857
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
100%
#1202
Celeron 925
MSRP: $100|Avg: $100
100%
#1203
Core 2 Duo U7700
MSRP: $262|Avg: $10
97%
#1204
Core 2 Duo E8135
MSRP: $200|Avg: $15
97%
#1205
Core Duo T2400
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
96%
#1206
Core 2 Duo U7600
MSRP: $250|Avg: $5
96%
#1207
Pentium M 735
MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A
94%
#1208
Core i7-620LM
MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A
93%
#1209
Core i7-740QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
93%
#1211
Core 2 Solo SU3300
MSRP: $262|Avg: $50
90%
#1212
Celeron 540
MSRP: $86|Avg: $5
90%
#1213
Celeron U3600
MSRP: $134|Avg: $134
89%
#1216
Core 2 Quad Q9000
MSRP: $348|Avg: $15
87%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron 857 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron 857 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 1.2 GHz from a base frequency of 1.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 2 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 705, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCeleron 857
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost1.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designSandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores2 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor131 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities504 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score705
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron 857 fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron 857
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1023
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM65,HM67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron 857 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 967.

SpecificationCeleron 857
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 technologyVT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerPentium 967
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron 857 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 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.

SpecificationCeleron 857
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $134), the Celeron 857 delivers 71 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1201 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3338 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron 857
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$134
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$134
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1201
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3338
Release DateLaunch date1 July 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron 857

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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