Celeron N2940
CPU·Budget

Celeron N2940

Intel

PassMark

1,054

2007-01-01
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 N2940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.83 GHz, with boost up to 2.25 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: 1,054 points. Launch price was $69.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Celeron N2940 is positioned at rank #1085 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 N2940

#1073
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
2979%
#1074
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
2935%
#1075
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2694%
#1076
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2682%
#1077
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2658%
#1079
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2566%
#1080
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
2461%
#1081
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
2457%
#1082
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
2391%
#1085
Celeron N2940
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#1089
Core i5-3610ME
MSRP: $276|Avg: $22
98%
#1090
Core m3-7Y32
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
97%
#1092
Celeron B720
MSRP: $70|Avg: $10
96%
#1093
Celeron 847
MSRP: $134|Avg: $15
96%
#1094
Core i7-2630QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
95%
#1096
Core i7-2635QM
MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A
95%
#1097
Celeron 877
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
95%
#1098
Celeron Dual-Core SU2300
MSRP: $134|Avg: $50
95%
#1099
Core i5-3337U
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
94%
#1100
Core i5-2450M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
94%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Celeron N2940 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Celeron N2940 is a 4-core / 4-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 2.25 GHz from a base frequency of 1.83 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 1,054, 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 240, while multi-core reaches 850.

SpecificationCeleron N2940
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost2.25 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency1.83 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)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,054
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming240
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance850
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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N2940 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-1333 (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 N2940
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-1333
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 N2940 is primarily designed for Budget Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD A6-6310.

SpecificationCeleron N2940
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget Laptop
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 N2940 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: Laptop Cooling.

SpecificationCeleron N2940
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload7.5 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Cooling
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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #1085 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #3040 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCeleron N2940
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#1085
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#3040
Release DateLaunch date2007-01-01
Release Year2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Celeron N2940

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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