Intel Celeron N4000 vs Intel Celeron N5100

The Intel Celeron N4000, based on the Gemini Lake architecture, was introduced in late 2017 and targets entry-level devices such as laptops and netbooks for basic computing tasks and educational purposes.

It is manufactured using the 14 nm process and features 2 cores and 2 threads. In single-core performance, the Intel Celeron N4000 is in the entry-level range. Even in multitasking scenarios, its performance is sufficient for very simple applications. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 and a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s only allow for content display and the execution of extremely light or older games.

It is not designed for modern gaming. It is characterized by very low power consumption, making it ideal for fanless or passively cooled systems. The Intel Celeron N4000 offers a cost-effective solution for users who need the absolute minimum computing power. The Intel Celeron N5100, introduced in early 2021, uses the newer Jasper Lake architecture and is the successor to the Intel Celeron N4000.

It also targets the entry-level segment but offers improved capabilities for basic productivity, streaming, and light multitasking. Manufacturing is done using a more efficient 10 nm process. This processor is equipped with 4 cores and 4 threads. The Intel Celeron N5100 shows significantly improved single-core performance compared to its predecessor.

Even when handling multiple tasks simultaneously, it offers noticeably higher performance, leading to a more responsive user experience. Its internal graphics, the Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Jasper Lake), and a memory bandwidth of 47 GB/s provide better graphics performance, which is reflected in smoother multimedia playback and slightly improved suitability for very undemanding games.

Despite the performance increase, the Intel Celeron N5100 maintains a low energy profile, continuing to make it ideal for energy-efficient devices. It offers a better price-performance ratio for users who desire slightly higher computing power and system responsiveness in the entry-level segment.

The Intel Celeron N5100 represents a significant improvement over the Intel Celeron N4000. Thanks to the newer architecture and a higher core count, it offers significantly greater computing power in both single-core and multi-core operations. The integrated graphics unit is also more powerful.

Both CPUs are designed for basic tasks and are very energy-efficient. For absolute minimum requirements and maximum cost-efficiency, the Intel Celeron N4000 can be sufficient. For a noticeably smoother user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and slightly stronger graphics performance, the Intel Celeron N5100 is the more recommendable choice, even if it might be slightly more expensive.