Celeron J3160
CPU·Budget

Celeron J3160

Intel

PassMark

1,250

15 January 2016 (9 years ago)
6 Watt
Airmont (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 J3160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Airmont (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.24 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,250 points. Launch price was $107.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Celeron J3160 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high28 FPS
ultra22 FPS
4k
low16 FPS
medium14 FPS
high11 FPS
ultra8 FPS
Naraka: Bladepoint

Naraka: Bladepoint

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra26 FPS
Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra21 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high25 FPS
ultra17 FPS
4k
low21 FPS
medium16 FPS
high13 FPS
ultra10 FPS
Starfield

Starfield

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2

1080p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS
4k
low31 FPS
medium31 FPS
high31 FPS
ultra31 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron J3160 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron J3160 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Airmont (2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.24 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 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 2 MB of L2 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,250, 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 350, while multi-core reaches 650.

SpecificationCeleron J3160
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.24 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designAirmont (2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data2 MB
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,250
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming350
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance650
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron J3160 fits into the FCBGA1170 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 4 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3L-1600 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 400 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron J3160
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1170
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion4
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3L-1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics 400
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUN/A (SoC)
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Celeron J3160 is primarily designed for Low Power. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium J3710.

SpecificationCeleron J3160
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryLow Power
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 J3710
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Celeron J3160 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 6 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: Passive.

SpecificationCeleron J3160
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload6 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)90 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNo
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionPassive
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2917 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron J3160
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$107
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2917
Release DateLaunch date15 January 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year2016
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

Typedesktop
SeriesIntel Celeron
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$107
Release Date15 January 2016 (9 years ago)
Architecture CodenameAirmont (2016)
Performance Ranking Position2917

Technical Specifications

11 specs

Cores4
Threads4
Bus TypeIDI
L2 Cache2 MB
L3 Cache0 kB
Max Frequency2.24 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency1.6 GHz
Process Technology14 nm
Max Core Temperature90 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketFCBGA1170
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)6 Watt
Max Processors In Config1 (Uniprocessor)

Memory

3 specs

RAM TypesDDR3L-1600
Memory Channels2
Max Memory Capacity8 GB

Our Recommendation for Celeron J3160

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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