What is the Intel N4000 Processor?
The Intel N4000 is a low-power, quad-core system-on-a-chip (SoC) from Intel's Gemini Lake generation, designed for entry-level computing and embedded applications. It is part of the Intel Celeron N series, which is engineered for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The processor typically features a base clock speed around 1.1 GHz with a burst frequency up to 2.6 GHz, 4 MB of cache, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600. It supports up to 8 GB of DDR4/LPDDR4 memory and has a very low Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 6 watts, making it ideal for fanless, compact designs.
Key Specifications and Technical Details
Key specifications for systems based on the Intel N4000 processor include:
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Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads.
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Clock Speed: Base frequency ~1.1 GHz, Max Turbo Frequency up to 2.6 GHz.
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Cache: 4 MB L2 cache.
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Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600 with a base frequency of 200 MHz and burst up to 650 MHz.
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Memory Support: Dual-channel DDR4/LPDDR4 up to 2400 MT/s, maximum 8 GB.
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TDP: 6W, enabling passive cooling.
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Manufacturing Process: 14nm.
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Instruction Set: 64-bit, supporting modern virtualization and security features.
Use Cases and Applications
The N4000's low power draw and capable quad-core performance make it suitable for a range of lightweight and specialized computing tasks. Primary applications include:
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Digital Signage & Kiosks: Reliable for driving single displays with media playback.
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Thin Clients & VDI: Efficiently handles remote desktop protocols for cloud-based work environments.
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Entry-Level Industrial PCs: Used in basic HMI (Human-Machine Interface), data logging, and control panel applications where extreme compute power is not required.
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Compact Mini PCs: Ideal for home/office productivity, web browsing, and media streaming in space-constrained settings.
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Embedded IoT Gateways: Serves as a hub for connecting and managing IoT sensors in edge computing scenarios.
Comparison with Similar Processors
The N4000 sits in an entry-level segment. Below is a comparison with other common processors in Thinvent's product range for context.
| Processor | Cores/Threads | Max Frequency | Cache | Typical TDP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel N4000 | 4 / 4 | Up to 2.6 GHz | 4 MB | 6W | Basic thin clients, digital signage, lightweight tasks. |
| Intel N100 (Alder Lake-N) | 4 / 4 | Up to 3.4 GHz | 6 MB | 6W | Enhanced mini PCs, better graphics, entry-level industrial PCs. |
| ARM Cortex A55 | 4 / 4 | Up to 1.9 GHz | 1 MB | <5W | Ultra-low power thin clients and micro PCs. |
| Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 (2P+4E) / 8 | Up to 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 15W | General-purpose mini PCs, industrial PCs, multitasking. |
Thinvent Products Featuring N4000 Technology
Thinvent leverages the efficiency of the Intel N4000 processor in select product lines designed for cost-sensitive and power-constrained deployments. Our systems built with this chip are characterized by their fanless, rugged designs, making them perfect for 24/7 operation in commercial and light industrial environments. You can find the N4000 powering our most compact and energy-efficient Micro Series Thin Clients and certain Industrial Panel PCs, where reliable, low-maintenance computing is paramount. These devices often come pre-configured with lightweight operating systems like Thinux™ or Linux, optimized to deliver a seamless user experience for dedicated applications such as point-of-sale, interactive kiosks, and classroom computing.
