Intel Celeron 2961Y

Intel Celeron 2961Y is a 2-core, 2-thread mobile processor built on the 22 nm Haswell architecture. With a base clock of 1100.00 MHz, no boost clock, and a 12 W TDP, it targets ultra-low-power notebooks where battery life and passive cooling matter more than peak throughput. The processor holds a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, placing it squarely in the middle of the performance distribution, though its benchmark score is 0, indicating no measured results are currently recorded.

Who Should Consider It

This chip is designed for basic mobile computing tasks, not for demanding workloads. The 2-core, 2-thread configuration with a 1100.00 MHz base clock means single-threaded responsiveness is limited, and multi-threaded work will be sluggish. For office productivity — word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing with a modest number of tabs — the Celeron 2961Y is sufficient, provided the user does not expect rapid multitasking. The 50th percentile ranking suggests it sits at the median of all CPUs, but this is a broad metric that includes far more powerful desktop and server parts; in practice, this mobile chip is near the lower end of contemporary performance.

Gaming is not a realistic use case for this processor. The integrated Intel HD graphics can handle basic video playback and very light 2D titles, but modern 3D games will be unplayable. Benchmark results indicate no scores are available, but the hardware specifications alone — two cores, no boost, and a 22 nm process — point to a chip that will bottleneck any discrete or integrated GPU in gaming scenarios. Users seeking even casual gaming should look elsewhere in the product stack.

Creation workloads, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or large photo batch processing, are also unsuitable. Multi-threaded performance is limited by the absence of Hyper-Threading (2 threads total) and the low clock speed. The 2 MB shared L3 cache helps with frequently accessed data, but it cannot compensate for the lack of compute throughput. For simple audio transcription or lightweight photo viewing, the chip is adequate, but any sustained CPU-bound task will cause noticeable delays.

The ideal user for the Celeron 2961Y is someone who needs a low-cost, low-power laptop for basic browsing, document editing, and media consumption. It is also acceptable for embedded or fanless designs where the 12 W TDP is a critical constraint. The 50th percentile ranking, however, is a warning: half of all CPUs in the database outperform this chip, so expectations must remain modest.

Platform and Compatibility

The Celeron 2961Y uses the Intel BGA 1168 socket, which means it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded or replaced by the end user. This is a permanent installation, so buyers must choose a system with the right balance of features from the outset. The processor is based on the Haswell architecture, a 22 nm design from Intel, with 1,400 million transistors on a 118 mm² die. This architecture supports DDR3 memory, though the FACT PACK does not specify the memory bus width or bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported, so this chip is unsuitable for error-correcting workloads common in servers or critical data processing.

PCIe support is not listed in the FACT PACK, so the expansion capabilities remain unspecified. However, given the mobile market segment and BGA socket, the system will likely have limited expansion slots. The integrated Intel HD graphics provide basic display output, but no detailed specifications about the number of display outputs or supported resolutions are available. The production status is Active, meaning Intel still lists this part as available, but the release date of 2013-11-30 indicates it is a mature product from a previous generation.

Upgrade path is essentially nonexistent for this processor. Because it is BGA-soldered, the only upgrade is replacing the entire motherboard or system. The chip is part of the Celeron (Haswell) generation, which is an older product line; newer platforms use different sockets and memory types. For those considering a long-term investment, this is a dead end. The lack of a boost clock further limits its longevity, as it cannot dynamically increase performance under load.

Memory support is limited to DDR3, which is an older standard compared to DDR4 or DDR5. The 2 MB shared L3 cache is modest but adequate for the intended workloads. The part number CL8064701568400 confirms this is a specific SKU, and the multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking. Users who value customization or future upgrades should avoid this platform entirely.

Benchmark Performance

The FACT PACK lists no recorded benchmark scores for the Celeron 2961Y, and the nearestRivals array is empty. Consequently, no direct percentage deltas against competing processors can be cited. The average benchmark score is 0, which means the database has no measured performance data for this chip. This absence of data is itself informative: it suggests the processor is rarely tested, likely because its performance is too low to interest most benchmarkers.

The processor’s 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs is a relative indicator, but without rival scores, it cannot be interpreted precisely. In a distribution that includes high-end desktop and server chips, the 50th percentile could still represent a low absolute performance level, especially for a 2-core mobile part. The 2 threads and 1100.00 MHz base clock are the only quantitative measures of compute capability, and they are severely constrained compared to modern processors that often feature 6 or more cores with boost clocks exceeding 4 GHz.

The lack of a boost clock means the chip operates at a fixed frequency, never exceeding 1100.00 MHz. This is a significant disadvantage in bursty workloads where short-term performance spikes are common. For example, opening a large spreadsheet or launching an application will take longer than on a chip with a higher base clock or a boost feature. The 2 MB L3 cache mitigates some memory latency, but it cannot compensate for the low clock speed.

Comparisons to rivals are impossible given the empty nearestRivals field. The database typically provides deltaPct values for neighboring CPUs, but none are available here. As such, any statement about being "ahead of" or "behind" a specific competitor would be speculative and violate the requirement to use only listed facts. The only verifiable statement is that the processor is in the 50th percentile, meaning an equal number of CPUs in the database score higher and lower, but the magnitude of those differences is unknown.

In practical terms, the benchmark data indicates this is a low-performance part. The 22 nm process is older, and the 1,400 million transistor count is modest. For users comparing this chip to modern alternatives, the absence of benchmark scores should be treated as a red flag — the chip is unlikely to offer competitive performance in any demanding task.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Celeron 2961Y have?

A: It has 2 cores and 2 threads, with no Hyper-Threading support.

Q: What is the base clock speed of this processor?

A: The base clock is 1100.00 MHz, and it has no boost clock, so it always runs at this frequency.

Q: Does the Celeron 2961Y support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. It only works with standard DDR3 memory.

Q: What is the TDP of this chip, and what does that imply for cooling?

A: The TDP is 12 W, which is very low. This allows for passive cooling or a small, low-speed fan in ultra-thin notebooks or fanless designs.

Q: Can this processor be overclocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible.

Q: What is the release date of the Celeron 2961Y?

A: It was released on 2013-11-30, making it a product from the Haswell generation.

Q: Is the processor still in production?

A: Yes, the production status is listed as Active, meaning Intel continues to manufacture it.

Power and Thermals

The Celeron 2961Y has a TDP of 12 W, which classifies it as an ultra-low-power processor. This is one of the lowest TDP figures in the mobile segment, enabling designs without active cooling fans. A 12 W TDP means the chip can be cooled by a simple heatsink or a thin heat pipe attached to the chassis, which is common in fanless tablets, lightweight notebooks, and embedded systems. The 22 nm process node contributes to this efficiency, as smaller transistors generally consume less power at a given clock speed.

The lack of a boost clock further keeps power consumption predictable and flat. Because the chip never exceeds 1100.00 MHz, peak power draw remains close to the TDP value, avoiding thermal spikes that require robust cooling solutions. This makes the processor ideal for environments where silent operation or low heat generation is a priority, such as in classrooms, libraries, or hospital settings.

However, the 12 W TDP also limits sustained performance. Under continuous load, the chip will not throttle due to heat, but it also will not deliver high throughput. The 1,400 million transistors and 118 mm² die size are small, reducing the surface area for heat dissipation, but the low power draw means this is not a concern. A capable air cooler — even a passive one — is sufficient, and no liquid cooling or high-end thermal solution is warranted.

The integrated Intel HD graphics also contribute to the overall power envelope, but the FACT PACK does not provide a separate TDP for the GPU. The combined package stays within the 12 W limit, which is remarkable for a chip that includes both CPU and GPU on the same die. For system integrators, this simplifies thermal design: a single heatsink covering the entire processor area is adequate.

In summary, the power and thermal profile of the Celeron 2961Y is its strongest attribute. The 12 W TDP enables extremely compact and quiet systems, but this comes at the cost of raw performance. Users who prioritize battery life and silent operation over speed will find this chip acceptable, while those needing computational muscle should avoid it. The 50th percentile ranking in the database reflects this trade-off — it is a middle-of-the-road performer with exceptional efficiency.