Intel Celeron 3205U Chromebooks

The Intel Celeron 3205U arrived in Q1 2015 as Intel’s entry-level mobile processor built on the 5th generation Broadwell architecture. Manufactured using a 14nm process with three-dimensional FinFET transistors, the 3205U represented a meaningful step forward from its Haswell-based predecessors in both energy efficiency and per-clock performance. This dual-core, dual-thread processor operates at a fixed 1.50 GHz clock speed with no turbo boost capability, drawing 15 watts TDP with a configurable TDP-down of just 10 watts. The combination of improved architecture and power efficiency made it a natural fit for both compact Chromebooks and desktop Chromeboxes.

The Celeron 3205U occupies a modest position in the processor hierarchy as a true budget-oriented chip. Intel positioned it as the entry-level mobile option within the Broadwell lineup, below the Core i3-5005U and Core i5-5200U that powered premium Chromebooks of the era. The processor includes 2 MB of cache, supports DDR3L and LPDDR3 memory up to 1600 MHz across two channels, and integrates Intel HD Graphics (Broadwell) with 12 Execution Units clocked between 100-800 MHz. This integrated GPU represented Intel’s Gen 8 graphics architecture, offering full DirectX 11.2 and OpenCL 2.0 support along with native DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4a output. The graphics revision delivered notably better performance-per-clock than the previous HD Graphics (Haswell) generation.

Chromebook manufacturers deployed the 3205U across both desktop and notebook form factors. Acer used it in the Chromebox CXI, while the Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 brought the processor to a large 15.6-inch display configuration. Lenovo chose the 3205U for the ThinkCentre Chromebox, targeting business and education deployments. All devices featuring this processor have now passed their Chrome OS Auto Update Expiration dates, ending support between 2019 and 2021. While these devices can no longer be recommended for new purchases, they established the Celeron U-series as a viable option for Chrome OS devices during the mid-2010s.

Performance

The Intel Celeron 3205U delivers performance appropriate for basic computing tasks but falls well short of modern processor capabilities. With an Octane 2.0 score of approximately 13,597, the 3205U handles web browsing, document editing, and video streaming adequately for users with modest expectations. The PassMark CPU Mark score of around 961 and Geekbench 6 scores of 278 (single-core) and 483 (multi-core) reflect the processor’s entry-level positioning.

Real-world testing from contemporary reviews validated the processor’s capabilities for its intended use cases. NotebookCheck found that the Broadwell architecture delivered roughly 5% better performance-per-clock compared to the Haswell-based Celeron 1017U predecessor thanks to improved branch prediction and larger buffer sizes. TechRadar’s testing of the Acer Chromebook 15 demonstrated that everyday applications and simple browsing worked without problems, while Laptop Mag measured the keyboard temperature reaching only 87.5 degrees during extended video streaming. Battery life impressed reviewers consistently, with the Acer Chromebook 15 achieving 7-9 hours depending on workload.

Compared to contemporary processors, the 3205U sat between the budget Celeron N-series and the mainstream Core i3 lineup. The Intel Core i3-5005U (Octane 18,001) outperformed the 3205U by approximately 32% in web workloads, while the Celeron 3215U running at 1.70 GHz offered a modest clock speed advantage within the same architecture. Against modern processors, the gap is substantial: the Intel Celeron N4500 (Octane 21,000) delivers roughly 55% better JavaScript performance, while the Intel Processor N100 (CPU Mark 5,643) offers approximately 6x the multi-threaded throughput. The 3205U remains roughly comparable to its Haswell predecessor the Celeron 2955U (Octane 11,600) but with improved power efficiency.

Ideal Use Cases

The Intel Celeron 3205U served users requiring reliable, affordable computing for everyday web-based tasks. When these devices were actively supported, students and office workers found them adequate for Google Docs, Gmail, YouTube streaming, and light research browsing. The Acer Chromebook 15’s large display made it particularly well-suited for users who valued screen real estate over portability, while the Chromebox variants offered simple desktop computing for kiosks, digital signage, and shared workstation deployments.

The processor performed best with modest workloads. Reviewers consistently noted smooth operation with 8-10 browser tabs, though performance degraded noticeably beyond that threshold. Bruce Naylor’s testing of the Acer Chromebook 15 found noticeable slowdowns once eight or nine tabs were open simultaneously. Video playback worked reliably at 1080p, though 4K content exceeded the processor’s capabilities. The integrated graphics sufficed for basic display tasks but struggled with any gaming beyond the simplest browser-based titles.

However, the 3205U is not appropriate for users with modern computing expectations. All devices using this processor passed their Auto Update Expiration dates years ago, meaning they no longer receive Chrome OS security patches. The limited performance compared to current entry-level chips means that today’s web applications often feel sluggish on these devices. Android app support, where it was enabled, runs poorly. These Chromebooks should be considered end-of-life products suitable only for highly constrained use cases or for repurposing with Linux distributions that provide current security updates.

What to Look For

When evaluating a 3205U Chromebook today, recognize that these are legacy devices well past their supported lifespan. The Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 ended Chrome OS support in June 2021, while the Acer Chromebox CXI ended in September 2019 and the Lenovo ThinkCentre Chromebox in June 2020. Any continued use should involve either accepting the security risks of an unsupported operating system or installing a current Linux distribution.

RAM configuration significantly impacts usability. The 4GB variants offer meaningful advantages over 2GB models for multitasking, though neither handles heavy tab loads gracefully. Since RAM is soldered on all 3205U devices, the configuration chosen at purchase cannot be upgraded later. The Acer Chromebox offers storage upgradeability, which provides some flexibility for users who want to install Linux and expand beyond the original 16GB SSD.

Form factor varies meaningfully across available 3205U products. The Acer Chromebook 15 at 15.6 inches and 4.85 pounds prioritizes display size over portability, while the compact Chromeboxes from Acer and Lenovo suit fixed desktop installations. The Chromeboxes include features uncommon on Chromebook notebooks, including Gigabit Ethernet, VESA mounting capability, and four USB 3.0 ports. Battery condition on the notebook will have degraded significantly over the years, making the Chromeboxes potentially more practical for continued use if wired power is acceptable.