Celeron N2820
CPU·Budget

Celeron N2820

Intel

PassMark

1,061

1 December 2013 (12 years ago)
7.5 Watt
Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)

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 N2820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.39 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,061 points. Launch price was $107.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron N2820 is positioned at rank #259 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 N2820

#73
Core i9-13950HX
MSRP: $590|Avg: $199
98%
#247
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
415%
#248
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
409%
#249
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
375%
#250
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
374%
#251
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
370%
#253
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
357%
#254
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
343%
#255
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
342%
#256
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
333%
#259
Celeron N2820
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron N2820 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron N2820 is a 2-core / 2-thread processor based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.39 GHz from a base frequency of 2.13 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 0 kB of L3 cache, plus 512K (per core) of L2 cache and 56K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,061, 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 220, while multi-core reaches 400.

SpecificationCeleron N2820
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 2T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.39 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.13 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designBay Trail-M (2013−2014)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores0 kB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data512K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache56K (per core)
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)105 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,061
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming220
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance400
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N2820 fits into the FCBGA1170 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 4 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCeleron N2820
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Celeron
SocketMotherboard socket requiredFCBGA1170
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion4
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3L-1066
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 processorIntel HD Graphics (Bay Trail)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUSoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Celeron N2820 is primarily designed for Netbook. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD A6-6310.

SpecificationCeleron N2820
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryNetbook
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 manufacturerAMD A6-6310
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Power & Cooling

The Celeron N2820 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 7.5 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/Laptop.

SpecificationCeleron N2820
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload7.5 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)105 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionPassive/Laptop
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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #259 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3380 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron N2820
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$107
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#259
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3380
Release DateLaunch date1 December 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron N2820

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