When it comes to choosing the right processor for your computing needs, the options can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Two processors that often come up in discussions about budget-friendly options are the Celeron N3350 and the Celeron N4000. Both are part of Intel’s lineup of processors designed for efficiency and affordability, but they have distinct differences that can significantly impact your computing experience. In this article, we will delve into the details of each processor, comparing their performance, power consumption, and features to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs.
Introduction to Celeron Processors
Celeron processors are a series of budget-friendly CPUs designed by Intel. They are known for offering a balance between performance and power efficiency, making them ideal for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, office work, and streaming. The Celeron series has undergone several generations, with each new generation bringing improvements in performance and efficiency.
Celeron N3350 Overview
The Celeron N3350 is a dual-core processor that was released in 2016 as part of Intel’s Apollo Lake generation. It operates at a base frequency of 1.1 GHz and can boost up to 2.4 GHz. The N3350 is designed for low-power consumption, making it suitable for fanless designs and devices where heat dissipation is a concern. It supports up to 8 GB of DDR3L RAM and features Intel’s HD Graphics 500, which provides basic graphics capabilities.
Celeron N4000 Overview
The Celeron N4000, on the other hand, is a dual-core processor from the Gemini Lake generation, released in 2017. It has a base frequency of 1.1 GHz and can turbo boost up to 2.6 GHz. Similar to the N3350, the N4000 is designed with power efficiency in mind, supporting fanless designs and low-power devices. It can handle up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and comes with Intel’s UHD Graphics 600, offering slightly improved graphics performance compared to the HD Graphics 500 in the N3350.
Performance Comparison
When comparing the performance of the Celeron N3350 and N4000, several factors come into play, including the CPU architecture, clock speeds, and the type of tasks you intend to perform.
Processing Power
In terms of raw processing power, the Celeron N4000 has a slight edge over the N3350 due to its higher turbo boost frequency and improved architecture. The N4000’s Gemini Lake architecture provides better performance per clock compared to the Apollo Lake architecture of the N3350. This means that for tasks like video editing, coding, and other CPU-intensive activities, the N4000 might offer a smoother experience.
Graphics Performance
For graphics performance, the Celeron N4000’s UHD Graphics 600 provides a noticeable improvement over the HD Graphics 500 found in the N3350. The UHD Graphics 600 supports newer graphics technologies and can handle more demanding graphics tasks, albeit still within the realm of basic computing and not suitable for heavy gaming or professional graphics work.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
Both the Celeron N3350 and N4000 are designed with power efficiency in mind, making them suitable for devices where battery life is a concern. However, the N4000, being part of a newer generation, incorporates more advanced power-saving technologies.
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
The TDP of both processors is 6 watts, indicating that they are designed to operate within a similar power envelope. However, the N4000’s more efficient architecture means it can provide better performance while maintaining similar power consumption levels to the N3350.
Real-World Implications
In real-world scenarios, the power efficiency of these processors translates to longer battery life in laptops and tablets, and less heat generated in desktops and other form factors. This makes them ideal for always-on devices, fanless designs, and applications where reliability and low maintenance are key.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Celeron N3350 and N4000 depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a processor that offers a bit more punch in terms of processing and graphics performance, the Celeron N4000 might be the better choice. Its improved architecture and slightly higher clock speeds make it more capable of handling demanding tasks. However, if you’re on a very tight budget and prioritize cost savings over performance, the Celeron N3350 still offers a viable option for basic computing needs.
For those considering upgrading or purchasing a new device, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of each processor against the device’s overall specifications and your intended use case. Future-proofing is also a consideration, as the N4000’s newer architecture might provide better support for newer technologies and software optimizations.
In summary, while both processors are designed for efficiency and basic computing, the Celeron N4000 offers better performance, improved graphics capabilities, and enhanced power efficiency, making it a preferable choice for those who can afford the slight premium over the Celeron N3350. Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing performance needs with budget constraints, and considering the long-term benefits of each processor in your computing journey.
| Specification | Celeron N3350 | Celeron N4000 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Apollo Lake | Gemini Lake |
| Base Frequency | 1.1 GHz | 1.1 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Frequency | 2.4 GHz | 2.6 GHz |
| Graphics | HD Graphics 500 | UHD Graphics 600 |
| Max RAM Support | 8 GB DDR3L | 8 GB LPDDR4 |
Given the detailed comparison above, it’s clear that both processors have their strengths and weaknesses. The key to making an informed decision lies in understanding your specific computing requirements and how they align with the capabilities of each processor. Whether you prioritize raw performance, graphics capabilities, or power efficiency, there’s a Celeron processor that can meet your needs, making them a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers and businesses alike.
What are the key differences between the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors?
The Celeron N3350 and N4000 are both low-power, budget-friendly processors designed for basic computing tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office work. However, they have distinct differences in terms of their architecture, clock speed, and features. The Celeron N3350 is based on the Apollo Lake architecture, with a dual-core design and a clock speed of up to 2.4 GHz. In contrast, the Celeron N4000 is based on the Gemini Lake architecture, with a dual-core design and a clock speed of up to 2.6 GHz.
The main difference between the two processors lies in their performance and power efficiency. The Celeron N4000 has a higher clock speed and improved architecture, which results in better performance and faster execution of tasks. Additionally, the N4000 has improved graphics processing capabilities, with support for 4K video playback and improved gaming performance. However, the N3350 is still a capable processor for basic tasks and is often available at a lower price point than the N4000. Ultimately, the choice between the two processors will depend on the specific needs and budget of the user.
How do the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors compare in terms of power consumption?
The Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors are both designed to be power-efficient, with a focus on minimizing power consumption while still providing adequate performance. The N3350 has a thermal design power (TDP) of 6 watts, while the N4000 has a TDP of 6 watts as well. However, the N4000 has improved power management features, which allow it to dynamically adjust its power consumption based on the workload. This results in improved battery life and reduced heat generation, making it a better choice for mobile devices and other applications where power efficiency is critical.
In terms of real-world power consumption, the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors are both relatively efficient, with power consumption ranging from 2-4 watts during idle and light workloads. However, the N4000 tends to consume slightly more power during heavy workloads, due to its higher clock speed and improved performance. Despite this, the N4000’s improved power management features and more efficient architecture result in better overall power efficiency and longer battery life. As a result, the N4000 is a better choice for users who need a balance of performance and power efficiency.
What are the graphics processing capabilities of the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors?
The Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors both have integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) that provide basic graphics capabilities. The N3350 has an Intel HD Graphics 500 GPU, which supports up to 4K video playback and has a maximum frequency of 650 MHz. In contrast, the N4000 has an Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU, which also supports up to 4K video playback and has a maximum frequency of 700 MHz. The UHD Graphics 600 GPU in the N4000 provides improved graphics performance and support for more advanced graphics features, such as DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5.
The improved graphics capabilities of the N4000 make it a better choice for users who need to run graphics-intensive applications, such as video editing software or games. However, it’s worth noting that neither the N3350 nor the N4000 is suitable for demanding graphics workloads, such as 3D gaming or video production. For these types of applications, a more powerful processor with a dedicated GPU is recommended. Despite this, the N4000’s improved graphics capabilities make it a good choice for users who need to run basic graphics applications, such as web browsing or office software.
How do the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors compare in terms of multitasking performance?
The Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors both have dual-core designs, which provide basic multitasking capabilities. However, the N4000 has improved multitasking performance due to its higher clock speed and improved architecture. The N4000 can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as web browsing, email, and office work, with improved responsiveness and reduced lag. In contrast, the N3350 may struggle with demanding multitasking workloads, resulting in slower performance and increased lag.
In terms of real-world multitasking performance, the Celeron N4000 is generally better suited for users who need to run multiple applications simultaneously. The N4000’s improved performance and responsiveness make it a good choice for users who need to switch between multiple tasks quickly, such as students or office workers. However, the N3350 is still a capable processor for basic multitasking tasks, such as web browsing and email, and is often available at a lower price point than the N4000. Ultimately, the choice between the two processors will depend on the specific needs and budget of the user.
Can the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors handle demanding workloads, such as video editing or 3D gaming?
The Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors are both designed for basic computing tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office work. However, they are not suitable for demanding workloads, such as video editing or 3D gaming. The N3350 and N4000 have limited processing power and memory bandwidth, which results in slow performance and increased lag when running demanding applications. Additionally, the integrated GPUs in the N3350 and N4000 are not powerful enough to handle demanding graphics workloads, such as 3D gaming or video production.
For users who need to run demanding workloads, a more powerful processor with a dedicated GPU is recommended. The Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors are best suited for basic computing tasks, and are not designed to handle demanding applications. However, the N4000’s improved performance and graphics capabilities make it a good choice for users who need to run basic graphics applications, such as web browsing or office software. Additionally, the N4000’s improved power efficiency and battery life make it a good choice for mobile devices and other applications where power efficiency is critical.
Are the Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors compatible with the latest operating systems and software applications?
The Celeron N3350 and N4000 processors are both compatible with the latest operating systems, including Windows 10 and Linux. They also support the latest software applications, including Microsoft Office and Google Chrome. However, the N3350 and N4000 may not be compatible with all software applications, particularly those that require high-performance processors or dedicated GPUs. Additionally, the N3350 and N4000 may require specific drivers or updates to ensure compatibility with certain software applications.
In terms of compatibility, the Celeron N4000 is generally a better choice than the N3350, due to its improved performance and features. The N4000 supports the latest operating systems and software applications, and is compatible with a wide range of devices and peripherals. However, users should still check the system requirements for specific software applications to ensure compatibility with the N3350 or N4000. Additionally, users should ensure that their device or system is configured correctly to take advantage of the N3350 or N4000’s features and capabilities.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Celeron N3350 over the N4000 processor?
The Celeron N3350 is a budget-friendly processor that offers basic computing capabilities at a lower price point than the N4000. The advantages of choosing the N3350 include its lower cost, lower power consumption, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and systems. However, the disadvantages of the N3350 include its limited performance, limited graphics capabilities, and limited multitasking capabilities. The N3350 is best suited for basic computing tasks, such as web browsing and email, and is not recommended for demanding workloads or graphics-intensive applications.
In contrast, the Celeron N4000 offers improved performance, improved graphics capabilities, and improved multitasking capabilities, making it a better choice for users who need to run more demanding applications. However, the N4000 is generally more expensive than the N3350, and may not be compatible with all devices or systems. Ultimately, the choice between the N3350 and N4000 will depend on the specific needs and budget of the user. Users who need basic computing capabilities and are on a tight budget may prefer the N3350, while users who need improved performance and features may prefer the N4000.