Intel Pentium Silver J5005 vs Intel Celeron N4100

Intel Pentium Silver J5005

The Intel Pentium Silver J5005 is a quad-core SoC that was introduced at the end of 2017 and is mainly used in inexpensive mini PCs. It clocks from 1.5 to 2.8 GHz (single-core burst) and belongs to the Gemini Lake platform. In addition to the four CPU cores, the chip also integrates a DirectX 12-capable graphics unit and a DDR4/LPDDR4 memory controller (dual channel, 2,400 MHz). The SoC cannot be replaced as it is soldered directly to the mainboard (BGA package).

Architecture

The processor architecture of the Gemini Lake SoCs has been slightly enhanced compared to its predecessor. Intel now calls them Goldmont Plus cores and doubles the level 2 cache from 2 to 4 MB. Nevertheless, the per-MHz performance should still remain well behind the current Kaby Lake processors.

Performance

The CPU performance of the J5005 with 4 CPU cores is only in the entry-level class and is only sufficient for undemanding tasks. Even when surfing the web, you notice a clear difference to faster processors.

Power consumption

Like its predecessor, the entire SoC is specified by Intel with a TDP of 10 watts.

Intel Celeron N4100

The Intel Celeron N4100 is a quad-core SoC primarily for inexpensive notebooks and was announced late 2017. It runs at 1.1-2.4 GHz (Single Core Burst, Multi Core Burst max 2.3 GHz) and is based on the Gemini Lake platform. Similar to the Apollo Lake predecessor, the chip is manufactured on a 14 nm process with FinFETs but offers slightly improved processor cores, double the amount of L2 cache, a smaller package, a new generation of monitor outputs (Gen 10) and a partly integrated WiFi chip. Besides four CPU cores, the chip also includes a DirectX 12 capable GPU as well as a DDR4/LPDDR4 memory controller (dual-channel, up to 2400 MHz). The SoC is not replaceable as it is permanently soldered to the mainboard.

Architecture

The processor architecture was slightly reworked and is now called Goldmont Plus. It features an increased Level 2 cache (to 4 MB). That means the per-clock-performance should be a bit better, but not near the Core CPUs like Kaby Lake Y.

Performance

The average N4100 in our database directly competes with AMD's 3020e and 3050e, as far as multi-thread benchmark scores are concerned. The Intel Core m3-8100Y and the Celeron 6305 are close nearby as well. Routinely described as "entry-level" in 2019 and 2020, the Celeron N4100 is a slow processor that is good for the most basic tasks only such as Web browsing with no more than two or three tabs open at a time.

The LapBook Pro is among the fastest systems built around the N4100 that we know of. It can be around 50% faster in CPU-bound workloads than the slowest system featuring the same chip in our database, as of August 2023.

Graphics

The UHD Graphics 600 (Gemini Lake) is based on Intel's Gen9 architecture, which supports DirectX 12 and is also used for the Kaby Lake / Skylake / Apollo Lake graphics adapters (like HD Graphics 520). Equipped with 12 EUs and a clock of up to 700 MHz, the performance should be roughly on par with the older HD Graphics 500 (Apollo Lake).

The chip also includes an advanced video engine with hardware support for the playback of VP9 and H.265 material (8-bit color-depth).

Power Consumption

Celeron N4100 has a default TDP of 6 W (also known as PL1), making it a great option for passively cooled setups.

The fairly old 14 nm process this Celeron is built with makes for so-so, as of mid-2022, energy efficiency.