Entry-level microprocessors for Celeron or Pentium desktop systems. What's better?

This review will examine the most budgetary CPU models for desktop personal computers from Intel and will answer the question: “Which is better: Celeron or Pentium?” These two chip families have modest technical specifications and are designed to build low-performance computers. Recommendations will also be given regarding possible applications for such microprocessors.

Positioning

Before we decide on which processor is better - Celeron or Pentium - we will figure out which niche these computing devices can be attributed to.

Fifteen years ago, Intel's chipset included just two of the microprocessor families that were previously mentioned. At the same time, the most productive PCs were based on Pentium series CPUs. But the mainstream and mid-range computers were based on Celeron chips. The latter also found great success in office computers.

Now the situation has changed dramatically. Mid-range and premium computers are based on i3, i5 and i7 CPUs. But the heroes of this review can only collect computers at the budget and entry level. That is, the Celeron series devices are most optimally used only for office computers. But Pentium can be used not only for such a task, but also when implementing an entry-level gaming system. Now we will try to give an answer to which is better - Celeron or Pentium.

Specifications and purpose of the younger model

Currently, the current computer platform from Intel is LGA1151 v2, presented at the end of 2017. It is designed to install 8th generation chips, which are based on the legendary Core architecture. Currently, the younger Celeron line of chips includes only two models: G4900 and G4920.

Their technical specifications are almost identical. The only difference is that the younger modification works at a frequency of 3.1 GHz, and the oldest - 3.2 GHz.

Otherwise, the parameters of these microprocessors are as follows:

1. Two cores.
2. Cache memory of the third level 2 MB.
3. An integrated RAM controller that can operate in dual channel mode. The memory type is DDR4, and its maximum size is limited to 64 GB.
4. Integrated UHD Graphics 610 graphics card.
5. The thermal package of the CPU is 54 watts.
6. The manufacturing technology of the semiconductor substrate meets the standards of 14 nm.
7. System bus bandwidth - 8 Gb / s.

The characteristics given earlier indicate that the computing resources of such a chip are only enough to implement the simplest tasks. The latter include office suites, video playback, browsing Internet resources, and even undemanding hardware games.

In order to decide on which is better - Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium, consider the parameters of a more productive family of microprocessors.

Entry-level chip specifications. His specialization

Now consider the characteristics of the current line of Intel Pentium. Which is better - Intel Celeron or Pentium at the moment? In terms of performance, it is preferable to choose a device of the second series. But lower cost for representatives of the first line.

Now Intel offers three models in this series: G5400, G5500 and G5600. The difference between them is that the frequency of the youngest CPU is 3.7 GHz, the average is 3.8 GHz, and the most productive is 3.9 GHz.

The remaining parameters for these microprocessors are as follows:

1. Two cores capable of processing information in four independent threads.
2. The cache volume at the third level has been increased to 4 MB.
3. The RAM controller is also designed to work in conjunction with DDR4 chips and is capable of processing 64 GB of RAM.
4. Power consumption is limited to 54 watts.
5. Integrated accelerator UHD Graphics in the performance of 630.
6. The semiconductor crystal of the processor devices is made using technology with tolerances of 14 nm.
7. System memory can also skip 8 Gb / s.

Cost. Recommendations

Currently, the Celeron line of G4900 and G4920 models can be purchased for 2700 and 4200 rubles. respectively. In turn, the Pentium G5400, G5500 and G5600 CPUs are estimated at 4,500, 6,800 and 7,300 rubles. Therefore, from the position of cost, it is most optimal to buy the G4900. But in terms of performance, it’s already better to buy a G5400. In the last chip with more efficient devices, the difference in characteristics is minimal, and the price is already significantly different. It is based on these two criteria that you need to answer the question of which is better - Celeron or Pentium.

Conclusion Total

Now let's summarize and decide which is better - Celeron or Pentium. The first family of microprocessors is most optimally used when organizing an office workstation with a computer. In this case, the cost of the chip comes to the fore, and in any case its performance will be at a sufficient level. Therefore, the best choice in this situation is the G4900. If you plan to implement an economy-class gaming system, then it is better to choose a Pentium CPU, for example, the G5600 in combination with a discrete entry-level gaming video card. Exactly this, starting from the list of ongoing tasks, it is recommended to choose processor devices for today.