Intel Core i3-7100U vs Intel Celeron J4105

The Intel Core i3-7100U, based on the Kaby Lake U architecture, is designed for energy-efficient notebooks and ultrabooks.

It is manufactured by Intel using the 14 nm manufacturing process and features 2 cores and 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, which improves multitasking capability. Equipped with 3 MB of Level 3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 30 GB/s, it integrates an Intel HD Graphics 620. In performance tests, the Intel Core i3-7100U shows significantly superior single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Intel Celeron J4105, with comparable Cinebench R23 single-core scores.

For gaming, it is only very limitedly usable but offers a marginally better basic experience. The Intel Celeron J4105, based on the Gemini Lake architecture, is intended for cost-effective desktop systems, mini-PCs, or embedded applications such as NAS systems, where energy efficiency and often fanless operation are paramount.

It is also manufactured by Intel using the 14 nm manufacturing process and has 4 cores and 4 threads. Equipped with 4 MB of Level 3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s, it supports PCIe Version 2.0. Its integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 600. In terms of computing power, it lags behind the Intel Core i3-7100U and is similarly limited for gaming.

Its main advantage is its design for low power consumption. Without specific pricing information, the price-performance ratio is difficult to assess. The Intel Core i3-7100U is the better choice for users who require higher computing power for productivity tasks and more responsive systems in a mobile form factor.

The Intel Celeron J4105 is excellent for basic computing tasks, media players, or systems where low cost, minimal power consumption, and passive cooling are crucial.