Intel Core i3-7100U vs Intel Celeron J4005

Intel Core i3-7100U

The Intel Core i3-7100U is a dual-core processor of the Kaby Lake architecture. It offers two CPU cores clocked at 2.4 GHz (without Turbo Boost) and integrates HyperThreading to work with up to 4 threads at once. The architectural differences are rather small compared to the Skylake generation, therefore the performance per MHz should be very similar. The SoC includes a dual channel DDR4 memory controller and Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card (clocked at 300 - 1000 MHz). It is manufactured in an improved 14nm FinFET process at Intel. Compare to the old Skylake Core i3-6100U, the i3-7100U offers a 100 MHz improved clock speed.

 Architecture

Intel basically uses the same micro architecture compared to Skylake, so the per-MHz performance does not differ. The manufacturer only reworked the Speed Shift technology for faster dynamic adjustments of voltages and clocks, and the improved 14nm process allows much higher frequencies combined with better efficiency than before.

Intel Celeron J4005

The Intel Celeron J4005 is a dual-core desktop SoC primarily for mini PCs and mini ITX mainboards. It runs at 2 - 2.7 GHz (Single Core Burst) and is based on the Gemini Lake platform. Similar to the Apollo Lake predecessor, the chip is manufactured in 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 anywhere near the Core CPUs like Kaby Lake Y.

Performance

The average J4005 in our database is in the same league as the Celeron N3450 and the Celeron 3865U, as far as multi-thread benchmark scores are concerned. This is an abysmally poor result, as of early 2023.

Power consumption

This Celeron series chip has a default TDP, also known as the long-term power limit, of 10 W. That's not much at all and thus good enough for passively cooled tablets, laptops and mini-PCs.

The J4005 is built with one of Intel's old 14 nm processes for poor, as of early 2023, energy efficiency.