As already stated there are several Celeron and Pentium models with different specs. Very un-intuitively the ones with fewer cores and are more powerful and better usable for VSTs.

Here is an example:

This dual core desktop CPU https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/processors/celeron/g4900.html comes at less than half the cost of an Core i3 but it's 2.6x as fast as a quad core Celeron J3455, because the latter is a tablet CPU, which doesn't even cost less.

So you won't see any issues running single-VST-Setups on a Celeron G4900. Though Pianoteq runs on anything including Raspberry, which is essentially a phone too.

You just need to do your research.

I’ve asked this question before: specifically, using a new Mac Mini with an i3 Quad-Core @3.6 GHz should be more than enough to run Pianoteq6 with high polyphony, 5 mics (if necessary), 64 buffer size, etc., right?

The answer -here- seems obvious, “yes”; however, I’ve heard from other sources that this would be pushing it a little unless I’m willing to tweak Pianoteq6 down some (lower polyphony, 128 buffer size, 2/3 mics, etc....) This is related specifically to P6. I’ve read at Pianoteq’s forum that P6 is more CPU-intense than P5. I don’t believe that this has been confirmed by the gurus at Pianoteq, but my personal experience tells me it’s true.

Running P5 on an old Mac Pro (2.8 GHz/8 cores) was no problem (high polyphony, 64 buffer, 24\48); however, P6 runs okay for the most part, but sometimes I get pops and cracks and at worst, the whole sound goes away for a few seconds and then it returns. I’ve lowered the polyphony to 128 and am using 16\41 rate (this I need to do regardless because the P-515 cannot handle anything higher; still, when I had P5 and a different controller with no audio interface I got away with 24\48). For the most part, I can get away with a low buffer size of 64, but occasionally I experience the issues mentioned above. This never ever happened with P5 using the same Mac and running P5 with higher settings.

I've had an Epiphany. It's either Gear Accumulation, or Addiction, Syndrome. Or maybe even Acquisition.
Bit of a letdown, after all that. Meh.

In the original meaning it's Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. It means you're buying one Guitar VST after another in quest for the perfect sound.

Ah, right. Well, I deserve a prize for proximity. Can't wait to see what it will be. Hope it's not a set of bong--Oh, no!

Maybe we should call the new VST subforum PAsS. Works well in contrast to the guitar version, as well as a little self-referencing hint.

To me, it's guitar acquisition syndrome... Thus why I have pianoteq pro, ivory II, Keyscape, vi labs ravenscroft 275, vI labs true keys, addictive keys, mk sensations, and Imperfect Samples Ebony Concert Grand.

FYI my master controller, a kawaii mp11se, is always hooked, via an audio/midi interface, to my giant water-cooled workstation tower, in which there are a couple of SSDs for my DAWs, vst piano libraries and whatnot.

G.A.S.: Gear Acquisition Syndrome.