Intel Celeron N2840

The Intel Celeron N2840 is a dual-core Silvermont-based processor designed for entry-level mobile computing, and its benchmark data places it at the 50th percentile of all CPUs, indicating a strictly baseline performance tier. With an average benchmark score of 0, the data shows no measurable competitive standing against modern processors, making it a part for basic tasks rather than performance-oriented workloads. The processor operates at a base clock of 2.16 GHz with a boost clock of 2.58 GHz, and with only 2 threads, its computational throughput is inherently limited to sequential or lightly threaded applications.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for the Intel Celeron N2840 are unequivocal: it scores at the 50th percentile among all CPUs, which in this dataset represents the median performance point, but with an average benchmark score of 0, it effectively sits at the absolute bottom of any meaningful performance scale. This score is not a measure of failure but rather a reflection of its design goals, the N2840 is engineered for power efficiency over output. The lack of any nearest rivals in the data pack means there are no direct percentage deltas to report, but the 50th percentile placement is misleading without context; when paired with a score of 0, it indicates that the CPU is outpaced by virtually every other processor in the database that has a non-zero score.

In practical terms, the 2.16 GHz base and 2.58 GHz boost clocks are low by modern standards, and the dual-core, dual-thread configuration means that any multi-threaded workload will see severe scaling limitations. The data shows no benchmark entries, so there are no synthetic scores to compare against rivals, but the architectural facts alone, Silvermont, 22 nm process, 2 cores, suggest that this CPU is best suited for lightweight web browsing, document editing, and media playback. For any task that requires sustained multi-core performance, the N2840 would fall behind even entry-level competitors from the same era, though without rival data, those comparisons remain qualitative.

Who Should Consider It

The Intel Celeron N2840 is aimed at users whose computing needs are strictly basic: email, word processing, and streaming video. The 2-thread design means that office productivity suites that are largely single-threaded will function adequately, but any modern web page with heavy JavaScript or multiple open tabs will strain the processor. The integrated HD Graphics provide enough capability for 1080p video playback, but gaming is out of the question, as the GPU shares the same low-power envelope and lacks the shader throughput for anything beyond casual 2D titles.

For creation workloads, such as photo editing or audio production, the N2840 is not a viable option, the lack of multi-threading and low clock speeds will result in sluggish performance in any application that leverages multiple cores. Conversely, for users who need a fanless, low-power device for simple tasks like a point-of-sale system, a lightweight netbook, or an embedded controller, the N2840 is a match. The 7 W TDP class makes it ideal for passively cooled designs, and its active production status means it is still available for such purposes, though the data does not indicate any performance advantages over newer alternatives.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Celeron N2840 has a TDP of 7 watts, placing it in the ultra-low-power segment of mobile processors. This figure is the defining characteristic of the chip: it allows for compact, fanless designs in thin-and-light laptops or mini-PCs, where heat dissipation is minimal. The 22 nm Silvermont architecture is efficient, and the data confirms that cooling requirements are minimal, a simple heatsink or even the device chassis may suffice for thermal management.

The low TDP also means that sustained performance is limited by thermal and power constraints. The boost clock of 2.58 GHz is likely achievable only for short bursts, as the processor will quickly throttle back to the 2.16 GHz base to stay within its power envelope. Users should expect consistent, modest performance rather than bursts of speed. This cooling tier implies that the N2840 is not intended for any workload that would stress the CPU for extended periods, as the thermal solution is designed for average, not peak, power draw.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Celeron N2840 have?

A: The processor has 2 cores and 2 threads, meaning it cannot handle simultaneous multi-threading.

Q: What is the clock speed range of the N2840?

A: It runs at a base clock of 2.16 GHz and can boost up to 2.58 GHz under light load conditions.

Q: Does the N2840 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; it uses standard DDR3 memory.

Q: What is the production status of this CPU?

A: The production status is listed as Active, meaning it is still being manufactured for system integrators.

Q: What socket does the N2840 use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1170 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable connection.

Q: When was the N2840 released?

A: The release date is May 21, 2014, making it an older design in the Bay Trail-M family.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The N2840’s dual-core, dual-thread configuration means that single-threaded performance is its only real strength. With a boost clock of 2.58 GHz, the processor can handle a single demanding task, like opening a large document or rendering a simple web page, with reasonable responsiveness. The Silvermont architecture is optimized for bursty workloads, so the boost clock is effective for short, single-threaded actions. However, the lack of Hyper-Threading means that the second core is fully independent, and when both cores are active, the clock speeds may drop, reducing overall throughput.

Multi-threaded behavior is where the N2840 falls short. Any application that uses more than two threads will see the processor saturated, and the low base clock of 2.16 GHz combined with the power limits means that multi-core performance is roughly half of what a quad-core chip would offer at the same clocks. For real-world workloads, this means that video conferencing, streaming while browsing, or any background task will cause noticeable slowdowns. The benchmark data shows a 50th percentile ranking, but that is likely skewed by the inclusion of many low-power embedded chips; against mainstream desktop CPUs, the N2840 would be in the bottom quartile. Users should expect single-threaded tasks to feel snappy, but anything parallel will expose the hardware’s limitations.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Celeron N2840 is built on the Silvermont architecture and uses the Intel BGA 1170 socket, which is a soldered connection, there is no upgrade path. The processor supports DDR3 memory, though the data does not specify the number of channels or maximum capacity, so users are limited to what the motherboard provides. PCIe support is not listed in the data pack, but given the market segment (Mobile), the chip is intended for integrated systems where expansion is minimal.

The integrated graphics are listed as HD Graphics, which is sufficient for basic display output but not for any GPU-accelerated tasks. The production status is Active, so despite its 2014 release date, it is still available for new designs in low-cost laptops or embedded systems. The platform is a closed ecosystem: the CPU, GPU, and memory controller are all on the same package, and the socket is not compatible with any other Intel processors. Upgrade path is effectively zero, meaning buyers are committing to the N2840’s performance level for the life of the device.

How It Compares

The data pack lists no nearest rivals for the Intel Celeron N2840, which is telling in itself. Without comparative scores, the analysis must rely on the processor’s own specifications and percentile placement. The 50th percentile ranking suggests that it sits in the middle of the database, but the zero average benchmark score indicates that the database includes many other low-power chips with similarly minimal performance. In the absence of rival data, the N2840 should be viewed as a baseline: any other CPU with a non-zero score will outperform it, and any CPU with a higher core count or clock speed will be significantly faster. The only area where it competes is power consumption, where its 7 W TDP is among the lowest, making it a choice for battery life over performance. For users comparing this chip to any other, the conclusion is straightforward: the N2840 is a last-resort option for basic computing, and its active production status is the only reason it remains relevant in 2025.