Intel Celeron J3455 vs Intel Atom C2538

The Intel Celeron J3455 is based on the Apollo Lake architecture and was designed in 2016 for affordable desktop systems and mini-PCs.

Manufactured in a 14-nanometer process, this processor features four cores and four threads. In comparative tests, the Intel Celeron J3455 achieves higher single-core performance than its counterpart, underlining the efficiency of the architecture. The processor has 2 MB of Level 3 cache, but no Level 2 cache.

Thanks to the integrated Intel HD Graphics 500, image output is possible without additional hardware, while the low thermal power dissipation of 10 watts allows for passive cooling. The memory bandwidth is 30 GB/s with a PCIe 2.0 connection. Due to the graphics unit, this processor is suitable for basic multimedia tasks but remains unsuitable for gaming.

It offers solid performance for office applications at moderate acquisition costs. The Intel Atom C2538 comes from the Avoton family, was introduced in 2013, and is primarily aimed at use in micro-servers and network storage.

This processor is manufactured in a 22-nanometer process and also offers four physical cores. The chip has 2 MB of Level 2 cache but lacks a Level 3 cache. Since the Intel Atom C2538 has no integrated graphics unit, a dedicated solution is mandatory for image output. In single-core performance comparisons, it falls measurably behind the Intel Celeron J3455.

With a thermal design power of 15 watts, the energy consumption is higher, with PCIe 2.0 supported for expansion. The maximum memory bandwidth is 26 GB/s. This processor finds no application in the gaming sector. Its strengths lie in the stable provision of network services.