Intel Celeron N4500

The Intel Celeron N4500 is a 2-core, 2-thread mobile processor built on Intel's Tremont architecture, part of the Jasper Lake family, manufactured on a 10 nm process. With a base clock of 1100.00 MHz and a boost clock of 2.80 GHz, this end-of-life chip occupies the low end of the performance spectrum, sitting at the 10th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its average benchmark score of 538 places it squarely in competition with decade-old desktop processors, which sets the stage for a detailed examination of its behavior across different workload types.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The N4500's benchmark results reveal a stark contrast between its single-core and multi-core capabilities. In Cinebench R23, the chip scores 220 points in single-core and 1564 points in multi-core, yielding a ratio of roughly 7.1x. This indicates that while the dual-core design does scale reasonably well when both threads are engaged, the absolute performance in either scenario is extremely limited. The single-core score of 92 in Cinebench R20 is notably low, suggesting that even lightweight, latency-sensitive tasks like basic web browsing or document editing will feel sluggish when compared to mainstream processors.

The multi-core scores tell a similar story of constrained capability. The Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 1564 is only about seven times the single-core score, which is expected for a 2-thread part, but the absolute numbers are far below what modern productivity software expects. Interestingly, the gap between single and multi-threaded performance is consistent across Cinebench versions: R20 shows a 92-to-656 split (7.1x), and R15 shows 157 for multi-core only. This consistency suggests the architecture scales linearly with thread count, but the per-core efficiency is the bottleneck.

For real-world workloads, this split implies that the N4500 will handle single-threaded tasks with noticeable delays, while multi-threaded tasks, though faster, still fall short of usable performance for anything beyond basic background processes. The data indicates that the chip's design prioritizes power efficiency over raw throughput, making it suitable for intermittent, low-intensity use rather than sustained computational work.

Power and Thermals

The N4500 carries a TDP of just 6 watts, which classifies it as an ultra-low-power part designed for fanless or passively cooled systems. This TDP figure is among the lowest in the database, implying that a simple heatsink or even the chassis itself could provide adequate cooling. The 10 nm process node contributes to this efficiency, allowing the chip to maintain its modest clocks without generating significant heat.

The thermal implications are straightforward: any cooling solution capable of dissipating 6 watts will suffice. This includes thin-and-light laptops, mini PCs, and embedded systems where space and airflow are at a premium. The absence of a high-performance cooling requirement means the N4500 can be deployed in silent, compact form factors that would be impossible with higher-TDP parts. However, the trade-off is evident in the benchmark scores, the chip's thermal headroom is clearly not used for boosting performance, as the boost clock of 2.80 GHz is modest and likely sustainable only for short bursts.

The data does not include specific thermal measurements, but the TDP class alone suggests that users should expect cool operation under load, with no risk of throttling in well-designed enclosures. This makes the N4500 a viable choice for always-on devices like network-attached storage or lightweight servers, where low heat generation is a critical feature.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data positions the N4500 as a direct contemporary of several older desktop processors, with margins of less than 1% in either direction. Its average score of 538 is virtually identical to the Intel Core i3-2105 (537, +0.2%), the AMD Phenom II X3 B77 (539, -0.2%), and the Intel Core i3-2310E (539, -0.2%). The closest rival, the Intel Core i3-4100E, scores 540, putting the N4500 0.4% behind. These deltaPct values are within noise, indicating that the N4500 delivers performance equivalent to a 2011-era dual-core desktop chip.

In specific workloads, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1564 highlights the chip's limitations. For context, this is roughly one-tenth the score of a modern mid-range desktop processor, though such comparisons are not in the provided data. What the data does show is that the N4500's multi-core performance is consistent with its nearest rivals, all of which are over a decade old. The single-core Cinebench R23 score of 220 similarly aligns with this vintage, suggesting that the Tremont architecture's efficiency gains do not translate into competitive speed.

The percentile rank of 10 is telling: 90% of all CPUs in the database outperform the N4500. This places it firmly in entry-level territory, suitable for basic tasks but inadequate for demanding applications. The benchmark results consistently show a chip that meets the minimum requirements for light productivity, but the data offers no indication of headroom for future software demands.

FAQ

Q: How does the N4500 compare to the Intel Core i3-2105?

A: The N4500 has an average score of 538, while the Core i3-2105 scores 537, making the N4500 0.2% faster. This difference is negligible in real-world use.

Q: What is the N4500's multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The chip scores 1564 points in the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, which is about seven times its single-core score of 220.

Q: Does the N4500 support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK lists ECC memory support as false, so the chip is not suitable for error-correcting memory configurations.

Q: What is the TDP of the N4500 and what does it imply for cooling?

A: The TDP is 6 watts, which implies that a simple passive cooler or small fan is sufficient, enabling silent, compact system designs.

Q: What memory types does the N4500 support?

A: The chip supports DDR4 and LPDDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.

Q: Is the N4500 still in production?

A: No, the production status is listed as end-of-life, meaning it is no longer manufactured.

Who Should Consider It

The N4500 is suited for users whose primary need is basic computing with minimal power draw. The single-core score of 220 in Cinebench R23 indicates that everyday tasks like email, word processing, and light web browsing will function, albeit without snappiness. The multi-core score of 1564 suggests that occasional video playback or simple spreadsheet work is feasible, but anything more demanding will strain the chip.

Gaming is not a realistic use case, as the integrated UHD Graphics 16EU and low CPU scores would struggle with even older titles. Creation workloads, such as photo editing or video encoding, are similarly out of reach given the multi-core performance that lags behind modern entry-level parts. Office productivity, however, is within scope if the user has patience; the chip's 10th percentile ranking means it will complete tasks, but slowly.

The 6-watt TDP makes the N4500 ideal for fanless mini PCs, thin clients, or embedded systems where silence and low heat are priorities. For users who need a always-on device for light file serving or as a basic web kiosk, the N4500's efficiency is a strong selling point. Conversely, anyone expecting responsive multitasking or modern application performance should look elsewhere, as the benchmark data shows no hidden strengths.

Platform and Compatibility

The N4500 uses the Intel BGA 1338 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable platform. This means the chip is permanently attached to the motherboard, eliminating any future CPU upgrade path. The architecture is Tremont, part of the Jasper Lake generation, and the process node is 10 nm with a die size of 63.8 mm².

Memory support includes DDR4 and LPDDR4 in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which limits its use in mission-critical server environments. The chip provides PCIe Gen 3 with 8 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single NVMe SSD or a low-end discrete GPU, though the CPU's performance would bottleneck either.

The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 16EU, which is adequate for basic display output but not for graphical workloads. The platform's end-of-life production status means that new systems using this chip are no longer being manufactured, so any adoption would rely on existing inventory or used markets. The BGA 1338 socket also confines the N4500 to specific motherboards, further limiting flexibility.

How It Compares

Intel Core i3-2105: The N4500 edges out this 2011 desktop chip by 0.2% in average score (538 vs. 537). Both are dual-core parts, but the i3-2105 has higher clocks and a different architecture, yet the data shows they perform nearly identically, highlighting how far mobile efficiency has come.

AMD Phenom II X3 B77: The N4500 trails this triple-core AMD processor by 0.2% (538 vs. 539). The Phenom II has an extra core, but the N4500's newer architecture compensates, resulting in a statistical tie. This suggests the N4500's multi-threaded efficiency is comparable to older three-core designs.

Intel Core i3-2310E: The N4500 is 0.2% behind this embedded dual-core chip (538 vs. 539). Both target low-power mobile or embedded markets, and the near-identical scores indicate that the N4500 offers no generational advantage in raw compute, only in power efficiency.

Intel Core i3-4100E: The N4500 falls 0.4% short of this 2013-era embedded processor (538 vs. 540). The i3-4100E benefits from a more mature architecture, but the margin is so small that the N4500's lower TDP makes it a competitive choice for power-constrained designs.