Intel Celeron D 326
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
IntelIntel Celeron D 326 Specifications
Celeron D 326 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Celeron D 326 features 1 physical cores and 1 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
Celeron D 326 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Celeron D 326 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Celeron D 326 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Celeron D 326 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the Celeron D 326 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Celeron D 326's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
NetBurst Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Celeron D 326 is built on Intel's 90 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in Celeron D 326 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
NetBurst Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Celeron D 326 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Celeron D 326 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 73W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 775 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Celeron D 326 uses the Intel Socket 775 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 775 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the Celeron D 326 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Celeron D 326 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Celeron D 326 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Celeron D 326 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the Celeron D 326 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Celeron D 326 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Celeron D 326 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
About Intel Celeron D 326
The Intel Celeron D 326 is a single-core desktop processor built on the NetBurst architecture, released on September 21, 2004. It runs at a fixed 2.53 GHz base clock with no boost capability, and includes 16 KB of L1 cache and 256 KB of L2 cache. With a 73 W TDP, it is a modestly powered chip. In the benchmark database, it holds a 50th percentile rank among all CPUs, indicating a median position, though its average benchmark score is 0, suggesting no recorded performance data.
Platform and Compatibility
The Celeron D 326 uses the Intel Socket 775 interface, a widely adopted desktop socket that supports a broad range of motherboards from the mid-2000s. It is compatible with dual-channel DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory, giving system builders flexibility across several memory generations. The processor includes PCIe Gen 2 connectivity, which is sufficient for basic expansion cards and storage controllers of its era. Integrated graphics are not built into the CPU itself; they are available only on certain motherboards as a chipset feature, meaning a discrete graphics card is required for display output unless the board provides its own video solution. The product is end-of-life and no longer in production. Its release date of September 21, 2004 places it in the early NetBurst era, and the part number is SL7TU. The multiplier is locked, so overclocking via the clock multiplier is not supported.
Who Should Consider It
Given its single core and single thread, the Celeron D 326 is suited for basic, single-threaded tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet work, and legacy software that does not require multi-threading. Its 2.53 GHz clock speed provides a baseline level of responsiveness for everyday office applications. However, modern workloads that rely on multiple cores or high memory bandwidth will likely struggle. The 256 KB L2 cache is small by today's standards, limiting the processor's ability to handle large datasets or complex instruction streams. For users running a dedicated legacy system, a simple file server, or a retro computing project, this CPU could suffice. It is not recommended for gaming or content creation, as those tasks benefit from higher core counts and more cache. The lack of a boost clock means performance is constant, with no turbo headroom for transient loads.
Benchmark Performance
The database lists no individual benchmark scores for the Celeron D 326. Its average benchmark score is 0, which indicates that no performance measurements have been recorded. The processor's percentile rank of 50 places it exactly at the midpoint of all CPUs in the database, implying that, in aggregate, it performs at the median level. Without specific scores, performance can be inferred from its architectural parameters: a 2.53 GHz base clock, 16 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 caches, and a single execution core. These characteristics suggest that the CPU handles simple arithmetic and logic operations at a modest pace, but it lacks the parallel execution capability of multi-core processors. The absence of a boost clock ensures consistent performance, but also means there is no dynamic frequency scaling to meet sudden demands.
How It Compares
The database does not list any nearest rivals for the Celeron D 326. Consequently, a direct comparison to specific competing processors is not possible from the available data. However, its 50th percentile rank offers a general point of reference: it sits at the median of all CPUs, meaning half of the processors in the database are ranked higher and half are ranked lower. This places it in the middle of the performance distribution, though the lack of benchmark scores means this ranking is based on aggregate data rather than direct measurements. Without rival entries, no delta percentages or performance gaps can be calculated. The processor's position is therefore defined solely by its percentile, which reflects a balanced standing relative to the entire CPU population in the database.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Celeron D 326 has exactly one core and one thread. As a result, all workloads are executed sequentially, with no support for simultaneous multi-threading. The processor's 2.53 GHz clock speed is the sole driver of single-thread performance, and the 256 KB L2 cache helps reduce memory latency for frequently used data. Because there is no multi-threading, the CPU cannot overlap independent instruction streams, making it inherently limited for multitasking or parallel processing. In single-threaded applications, the processor's performance is determined by its clock speed and cache efficiency; in multi-threaded scenarios, it will lag severely because only one thread can run at a time. This behavior is typical of early NetBurst Celeron parts, which were positioned as entry-level desktop chips. The fixed clock and lack of turbo further reinforce the single-threaded nature, as there is no mechanism to boost performance for short bursts.
FAQ
Q: What is the socket type of the Intel Celeron D 326?
A: It uses the Intel Socket 775 interface.
Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported.
Q: What memory types are compatible?
A: It supports dual-channel DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3 memory.
Q: What is the TDP of this processor?
A: The thermal design power is 73 W.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked.
Q: When was this processor released?
A: It was released on September 21, 2004.
Power and Thermals
The Celeron D 326 has a TDP of 73 W, which is moderate for a desktop processor. Its 90 nm process node, 125 million transistors, and 109 mm² die size contribute to this power envelope. A standard air cooler is sufficient to handle the heat output, given the single-core design and relatively low clock speed. The processor does not feature a boost clock, so power consumption remains steady under load. For a system that is used for light office tasks, a basic cooling solution should suffice. However, because the CPU is end-of-life, replacement coolers may be scarce; users should ensure compatibility with Socket 775 when selecting a cooler. The 73 W TDP also means that power supply requirements are modest, but the lack of modern power management features limits efficiency compared to newer processors.
Detailed benchmark scores and charts for the Intel Celeron D 326 are below.
Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
Compare with Other CPUs
Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.
Browse CPUs