Intel Pentium Silver N5030 Vs Intel Celeron N4020

The world of budget laptops and mini PCs is a competitive one, with Intel’s Pentium Silver N5030 and Celeron N4020 processors vying for dominance in the affordable segment. Both chips offer a balance of performance and cost, making them popular choices for everyday computing tasks. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 vs Intel Celeron N4020, helping you make an informed decision for your next budget-friendly device.

Performance Comparison

At the heart of any processor lies its performance capabilities. The Pentium Silver N5030 features four cores and four threads, while the Celeron N4020 has two cores and two threads. This difference in core count gives the N5030 an edge in multi-threaded workloads, such as video editing or multitasking.

In terms of clock speed, the N5030 operates at a base frequency of 1.1 GHz and a turbo boost frequency of 2.8 GHz. The N4020, on the other hand, has a lower base frequency of 1.1 GHz and a turbo boost frequency of 2.6 GHz. This means that the N5030 can handle more demanding tasks with greater efficiency.

Graphics Performance

Both the N5030 and N4020 integrate Intel‘s UHD Graphics architecture, but with different execution units (EUs). The N5030 has 16 EUs, while the N4020 has only 12 EUs. This difference in EUs affects the graphics performance of the chips.

The N5030’s 16 EUs provide better graphics capabilities, making it more suitable for light gaming or video editing. The N4020, with its 12 EUs, is adequate for basic graphics tasks, such as web browsing or watching videos.

Power Consumption and Efficiency

Power consumption is a crucial factor for laptops and mini PCs, especially those designed for extended battery life. The N5030 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 10 watts, while the N4020 has a lower TDP of 6 watts. This means that the N4020 is more energy-efficient, resulting in longer battery life for laptops.

Features and Connectivity

Both the N5030 and N4020 support DDR4 memory, with the N5030 supporting up to 8 GB and the N4020 supporting up to 4 GB. However, the N5030 offers faster memory speeds, with support for DDR4-2933, while the N4020 is limited to DDR4-2400.

In terms of connectivity, both chips offer similar features, including support for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. However, the N5030 has an additional feature called Intel Optane Memory, which can improve system performance by caching frequently used data.

Pricing and Availability

The Intel Pentium Silver N5030 and Intel Celeron N4020 are available in a wide range of laptops and mini PCs from various manufacturers. The N5030 is typically priced slightly higher than the N4020 due to its superior performance and features.

Which Processor is Right for You?

The choice between the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 and Intel Celeron N4020 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance and graphics capabilities, the N5030 is the better choice. However, if energy efficiency and affordability are more important to you, the N4020 is a solid option.

The Verdict

Both the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 and Intel Celeron N4020 offer excellent value for budget-conscious users. The N5030 provides superior performance and graphics, while the N4020 excels in power efficiency and affordability. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual requirements and preferences.

Popular Questions

Q: Which processor is better for gaming?

A: The Intel Pentium Silver N5030 has better graphics capabilities than the Intel Celeron N4020, making it more suitable for light gaming.

Q: Which processor has longer battery life?

A: The Intel Celeron N4020 has a lower TDP than the Intel Pentium Silver N5030, resulting in longer battery life for laptops.

Q: Can I upgrade the memory on both processors?

A: Yes, both the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 and Intel Celeron N4020 support DDR4 memory, but the N5030 supports faster memory speeds.