Intel Celeron N2830 Chromebooks

The Intel Celeron N2830 is a dual-core processor from Intel’s Bay Trail-M platform, launched in Q1 2014. Built on a 22nm manufacturing process with tri-gate transistors, the N2830 represented Intel’s Silvermont architecture, which delivered approximately 50% better performance per clock compared to previous Atom processors. With a thermal design power (TDP) of just 7.5 watts and a scenario design power of only 4.5 watts, this processor enabled manufacturers to build thin, fanless Chromebooks that operated silently while delivering all-day battery life. The N2830 powered several popular budget Chromebooks from 2014-2015, including devices from Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo.

The N2830 runs at a base frequency of 2.16 GHz with burst speeds reaching 2.41 GHz when additional performance is needed. It features 2 cores and 2 threads, 1 MB of L2 cache, and Intel HD Graphics based on the Gen7 architecture with GPU frequencies ranging from 313 MHz to 750 MHz. The processor supports DDR3L-1333 memory up to 8 GB, though most Chromebooks shipped with 2-4 GB configurations. Intel included support for Quick Sync video encoding, useful for media consumption scenarios. The out-of-order Silvermont cores represented a significant architectural improvement over earlier in-order Atom designs, featuring optimized branch prediction, increased buffers, and enhanced decoders.

During its era, the N2830 appeared in Chromebooks ranging from compact 11.6-inch notebooks to the 13.3-inch ASUS Chromebook C300. These devices typically sold in the $170-$330 price range, making them accessible options for students, casual users, and anyone seeking a straightforward web browsing device. Reviews from the period noted the processor was “perfectly adequate for simple tasks like browsing the internet or word processing” while maintaining quiet, fanless operation. The Lenovo N20P even offered touchscreen capability with a 300-degree convertible hinge at $329, demonstrating the processor’s versatility across different form factors.

Performance

The Intel Celeron N2830 delivers entry-level performance that was adequate for basic Chrome OS tasks when these devices were current. With an Octane 2.0 score of approximately 7,198, the processor handles fundamental web browsing, email, document editing, and standard-definition video streaming. NotebookCheck’s Cinebench R15 tests measured the N2830 at around 68 points multi-core and 38 points single-core, placing it roughly on par with older dual-core processors like the Intel Core 2 Duo series. The processor earned an average user rating of 2.2 stars in aggregated benchmark databases, reflecting its basic capabilities.

The N2830 sits at the lower end of the Bay Trail family. Its sibling the N2840 (Octane 8,700) outperforms it by approximately 21% thanks to a higher burst frequency of 2.58 GHz versus 2.41 GHz. The later Braswell-generation N3050 (Octane 7,900) offers similar performance but with significantly better power efficiency thanks to its 14nm manufacturing process. Compared to processors that appeared in later Chromebooks, the gap widens considerably: the Celeron N4000 (Octane 20,000) outperforms the N2830 by 178%, and the modern N4500 (Octane 21,000) by 192%.

For Chromebook usage, the Octane score provides the most relevant real-world indication. The N2830’s score of 7,198 places it at the lower threshold of what most users would consider responsive. Contemporary reviewers noted that “performance does seem to lag a bit” with the N2830 compared to faster Chromebooks, observing that “web pages loaded slower” and switching between windows felt sluggish. Digital Trends noted that 3D games were essentially unplayable, with “only the most rudimentary titles” running acceptably. However, for simple tasks like watching movies, editing documents, and basic browsing, reviewers found the processor handled the workload adequately.

Ideal Use Cases

All Chromebooks powered by the Intel Celeron N2830 have passed their Auto Update Expiration (AUE) dates, with models expiring between May 2019 and September 2021. This means these devices no longer receive Chrome OS security updates, making them unsuitable for continued use in scenarios involving sensitive data, online banking, or other security-critical applications. Google recommends retiring Chromebooks that have reached AUE for most typical computing tasks.

That said, N2830 Chromebooks can still function as offline devices or for isolated non-critical use cases. Some users repurpose expired Chromebooks by installing Linux distributions (via developer mode or full Chrome OS removal), giving them new life as lightweight Linux machines for basic tasks or educational experimentation. The fanless designs and low power consumption make them candidates for simple digital signage, kitchen recipe displays, or dedicated media players in environments where security concerns are minimal.

For anyone considering purchasing an N2830 Chromebook today (typically available for well under $50 on the used market), understand that these are legacy devices suitable only for experimental purposes, offline use, or as Linux installation targets. The performance limitations that were borderline in 2014 feel considerably more constrained against modern web applications. Battery life remains excellent on these devices, with the ASUS Chromebook C200 delivering up to 11 hours, but the lack of security updates means they should not be used for general web browsing with personal accounts logged in.

What to Look For

If you’re acquiring an N2830 Chromebook despite the AUE limitations (perhaps for Linux experimentation or as a collector’s item), several factors differentiate the available models. The ASUS Chromebook C300 stands out with its larger 13.3-inch display, offering more screen real estate than the typical 11.6-inch models, though it uses a TN panel with limited viewing angles. For touchscreen capability, the Lenovo N20P provides a 300-degree convertible hinge enabling stand and tent modes, useful for media viewing or touch-based applications.

RAM configurations across N2830 Chromebooks range from 2GB to 4GB. The performance difference is significant, with reviewers noting that 4GB models handled multiple browser tabs much better than their 2GB counterparts. The HP Chromebook 11 G3 shipped with 4GB and 32GB storage, while many other models offered only 2GB and 16GB. The ASUS C200 and C300 were available in multiple configurations, with 4GB/32GB options providing noticeably better performance and storage headroom.

Build quality and features varied across the lineup. The Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-111 and ASUS C200 featured fanless designs for completely silent operation, while the HP Chromebook 11 G3 and Lenovo N20P included fans. Battery life was consistently excellent across N2830 models, ranging from 8 hours on the Acer and HP models to 10-11 hours on the ASUS C200 and C300. All models included HDMI ports, USB 3.0 and 2.0, headphone jacks, and SD card readers, providing reasonable connectivity. Weight ranged from 2.4 pounds on the Acer CB3-111 to 3.08 pounds on the larger ASUS C300, with most 11.6-inch models falling around 2.5-2.8 pounds.