N5105 Vs J4125 Is The Newer Celeron Really Worth The Upgrade

When building or upgrading a compact system—be it a mini PC, NAS, or low-power server—the choice between Intel’s Celeron J4125 and N5105 often comes down to value, longevity, and future-proofing. Both processors are designed for efficiency and affordability, but they belong to different generations of Intel’s embedded lineup. The J4125 was released in 2019 as part of the Gemini Lake series, while the N5105 arrived in 2021 under the Jasper Lake family. On paper, the N5105 appears superior, but is the upgrade truly justified for typical users?

This article breaks down the technical differences, evaluates real-world performance, and helps you decide whether the newer chip delivers tangible benefits over its predecessor.

Architecture and Core Specifications Compared

The foundation of any CPU comparison lies in architecture, manufacturing process, and core design. These factors determine not only raw speed but also efficiency, thermal output, and long-term viability.

The J4125 uses the 14nm Gemini Lake architecture with four cores and four threads (no hyper-threading). It operates at a base frequency of 2.0 GHz, boosting up to 2.7 GHz. In contrast, the N5105 leverages the more advanced 10nm process and is based on the Jasper Lake platform. It retains the same quad-core, four-thread configuration but runs at a slightly higher base clock of 2.0–2.1 GHz and reaches up to 2.8 GHz under load.

Beyond clocks, the architectural improvements in Jasper Lake bring better instruction per cycle (IPC) performance, improved graphics, and enhanced I/O capabilities. The N5105 also supports faster DDR4 memory (up to 2933 MHz vs. 2400 MHz), which can subtly improve responsiveness in memory-sensitive tasks.

“Moving from 14nm to 10nm isn’t just about size—it brings meaningful gains in power efficiency and sustained performance.” — David Lin, Embedded Systems Engineer

Performance Benchmarks: Real-World Gains

To assess whether the N5105 outperforms the J4125 meaningfully, we look at both synthetic benchmarks and practical applications.

Specification	Celeron J4125	Celeron N5105
Architecture	Gemini Lake (14nm)	Jasper Lake (10nm)
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Base Frequency	2.0 GHz	2.0–2.1 GHz
Max Turbo	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz
GPU	UHD Graphics 600	UHD Graphics (Jasper Lake)
Memory Support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2933 / LPDDR4x-2933
TDP	10W	10W
PCIe Version	PCIe 2.0 x8	PCIe 3.0 x8
USB Support	USB 3.0	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Release Year	2019	2021

In benchmark tools like PassMark and Geekbench, the N5105 typically scores 15–20% higher in single-core and multi-core tests. While this may not sound dramatic, it translates into smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better handling of background processes such as media transcoding or light virtualization.

Tip: Pair the N5105 with fast SSD storage and dual-channel RAM to fully leverage its memory bandwidth advantages.

Graphics and Media Capabilities

For users relying on integrated graphics—such as in home theater PCs, digital signage, or lightweight gaming—the GPU upgrade in the N5105 is significant. It features an updated Intel UHD Graphics engine based on Gen11 architecture, compared to the older Gen9 in the J4125.

The N5105 supports hardware decoding of H.265 (HEVC), VP9, and AV1 codecs up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. This means smoother playback of modern streaming content without taxing the CPU. The J4125 lacks native AV1 decode support and struggles more with high-bitrate 4K streams, especially when multiple tabs or apps are open.

If your use case includes running Plex or Jellyfin for media serving, the N5105 can handle basic 4K transcoding more reliably than the J4125, though neither should be expected to transcode multiple 4K streams simultaneously without external GPU assistance.

Real-World Use Case: Upgrading a Mini PC for Home Office

Consider Mark, a remote worker using an ASRock J4125-ITX desktop for video conferencing, document editing, and browser-based project management. Over time, he noticed lag during Zoom calls with screen sharing and delays when switching between Chrome tabs.

He upgraded to a Beelink SEi mini PC powered by the N5105, kept the same 8GB RAM and SSD, and immediately noticed improvements. Video calls became smoother, Chrome handled 20+ tabs more gracefully, and system boot time dropped from 38 seconds to 22. The combination of faster memory support, better IPC, and improved graphics made daily workflows feel snappier—even though both CPUs have identical TDPs.

This scenario illustrates that while both chips are entry-level, the architectural maturity of the N5105 provides a perceptible quality-of-life improvement in everyday computing.

Connectivity and Future-Proofing

One area where the N5105 clearly pulls ahead is connectivity. It supports PCIe 3.0, enabling faster communication with NVMe SSDs and expansion cards. The J4125 is limited to PCIe 2.0, which caps NVMe speeds at around half the potential bandwidth.

Additionally, the N5105 includes support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), allowing faster data transfer with modern peripherals. While many budget motherboards may not implement all these features, having them available ensures compatibility with newer devices and extends the system’s usable lifespan.

From a longevity standpoint, the N5105 is also more likely to receive driver updates and BIOS support from motherboard vendors due to its later release date and alignment with Intel’s evolving ecosystem.

Checklist: When the N5105 Upgrade Makes Sense

• You plan to use 4K media playback or light transcoding
• Your workload involves multitasking with multiple browser tabs or office apps
• You want better peripheral support (USB 3.2, PCIe 3.0)
• You’re building a new system and cost difference is minimal
• Future-proofing and longer software support are priorities

When the J4125 Still Holds Value

• You already own a working J4125 system with no performance issues
• Your usage is strictly basic: web browsing, email, document viewing
• Budget constraints make the price difference significant
• You're replacing a failed unit and don’t need new features

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the N5105 significantly faster than the J4125?

Yes, but within limits. The N5105 offers about 15–20% better CPU performance and substantially improved graphics. For general productivity and media tasks, the difference is noticeable; for heavy workloads, both remain constrained by their entry-level nature.

Can the N5105 run light games?

Barely. It can handle older titles like *Minecraft* or *Stardew Valley* at low settings and 720p resolution. Modern AAA games are not feasible. The improved GPU helps, but it's still integrated graphics meant for display output, not gaming.

Does the N5105 consume more power?

No. Both CPUs have a 10W TDP. However, the N5105 achieves better performance within the same power envelope thanks to its 10nm process, making it more efficient per watt.

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Celeron N5105 is not a revolutionary leap over the J4125, but it represents a thoughtful evolution. With better architecture, improved graphics, faster I/O, and broader codec support, it delivers a more responsive and future-ready experience. If you're purchasing a new device today, choosing a model with the N5105 over the J4125 is almost always the smarter decision—especially if the price premium is under $30.

However, if you’re already using a J4125 system that meets your needs, upgrading solely for marginal gains may not be cost-effective. There’s no urgent reason to replace functioning hardware unless specific limitations—like poor 4K playback or slow USB transfers—are holding you back.

🚀 Ready to build your next mini PC or NAS? Choose the N5105 for better longevity and performance headroom. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below!