CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 100U vs Intel Core 3 N355
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 3 100U is a 6-core entry-level mobile processor featuring a hybrid P-Core and E-Core design, built on Intel 7 process for thin-and-light laptops focused on everyday productivity.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles web browsing, document editing, spreadsheet work, and video conferencing without issues. More demanding productivity applications will show limitations.
Handles web, office, and light multitasking well; single-channel memory constrains memory-sensitive workloads.
Gaming
The 64-EU UHD Graphics is not designed for modern gaming. Older or very lightweight titles at low resolutions may run, but anything recent will struggle significantly.
Not designed for gaming; playable only at low resolutions and settings in older titles due to the 32 EU iGPU and single-channel memory.
Virtualization
VT-x and VT-d are supported, enabling basic virtual machine use, but limited cores and memory bandwidth restrict practical utility.
Adequate for a couple of light VMs or containers, but limited RAM ceiling (16 GB) and single-channel bandwidth.
Efficiency
The 15W base TDP with 55W PL2 makes this chip well-suited for thin-and-light laptops where battery longevity matters more than peak performance.
Strong efficiency at 9–15 W for always-on appliances; Intel 7 is not class-leading in efficiency versus newer nodes, but power is low.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU or AI acceleration hardware
- CPU-based inference is possible but impractically slow for meaningful AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU; CPU-based inference only via AVX2.
- GNA 3.0 assists some low-power audio/voice tasks.
- Unsuitable for heavy local LLMs or large vision models.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 64-EU UHD Graphics lacks the compute power for modern game titles
- Suitable only for casual 2D games or very old 3D titles at low settings
- eGPU support depends on laptop Thunderbolt implementation, not guaranteed
- 32 EU Xe iGPU is capable of video decode and desktop compositing, but too weak for modern AAA games.
- Single-channel memory narrows effective bandwidth.
- Best suited for casual, older, or esports titles at 720p/low.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Hybrid architecture brings modern design to the budget segment
- Low 15W TDP enables excellent battery life in thin laptops
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory for OEM flexibility
- P-Cores boost to a competitive 4.7 GHz
- UHD Graphics 64EU handles 4K output and hardware video decoding
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support included
- Significant upgrade over Pentium and Celeron alternatives
Cons
- Only 2 P-Cores limit single-threaded intensive workloads
- 64-EU iGPU is insufficient for any meaningful gaming
- Only 8 PCIe 4.0 lanes restrict storage expansion
- BGA socket means the CPU is permanently soldered and non-upgradeable
- No ECC memory support
- 10MB L3 cache is modest for a 6-core chip
- No Hyper-Threading on E-Cores caps thread count at 8
Pros
- Eight E-cores provide solid multi-thread throughput at low power.
- Configurable 9 W cTDP enables truly fanless designs.
- LPDDR5 support improves compatibility for compact, soldered-down designs.
- 32 EU iGPU with Quick Sync handles modern video codecs including AV1.
- Embedded lifecycle support makes it attractive for OEMs needing long-term availability.
Cons
- Single-channel memory caps real-world bandwidth.
- No P-cores means lower per-thread performance than P+E designs.
- PCIe 3.0 x9 limits NVMe speeds and high-speed I/O expansion.
- Multiplier locked; no enthusiast overclocking.
- 16 GB max memory may be restrictive for heavier workloads or future-proofing.
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core 3 100U
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 7330URival
Budget Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1215URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Athlon Gold 7220URival
Entry Mobile
- MediaTek Kompanio 800TRival
Budget Mobile ARM
Offers more P-Cores and better multi-threaded performance for a modest price increase.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7520UAlt
Provides stronger multi-core performance and RDNA 2 integrated graphics.
Previous-generation Raptor Lake with a similar hybrid layout but established platform availability.
Compare head-to-headOlder but offers 2 additional E-Cores and higher overall performance.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core 3 N355
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320URival
Budget laptop / thin client
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520URival
Budget laptop / mini PC
- Intel Processor N97 (Alder Lake-N, 4C/4T)Rival
Very low power mini PCs and embedded
- Intel Core i3-N305 (Alder Lake-N, 8C/8T)Rival
Mini PC / laptop, prior generation
- Intel Processor N200 (Alder Lake-N, 4C/4T)Rival
Low-cost mini PCs and embedded
Cheaper if LPDDR5 and slight clock bump are unnecessary; similar 8 E-cores and 32 EU iGPU.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Processor N97Alt
Lower-power 4-core option when 8 threads are not needed.
- Intel Processor N200Alt
Very low power 4-core for strictly light tasks; not suited if you need 8 threads.
Lower PBP (7 W) version of Twin Lake for fanless designs when peak performance is less critical.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A competent entry-level mobile chip that brings Intel's hybrid architecture to budget laptops, offering a clear step up from older Pentium and Celeron parts for everyday tasks, though it is not suited for gaming or heavy workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget laptop under $500 for school, office work, or home use where battery life and basic responsiveness are the priorities
Read the full reviewThe Core 3 N355 is a sensible step up over the Alder Lake-N N305 for always-on, thermally constrained systems: modestly higher clocks, LPDDR5 support, and Intel 7 branding, but still limited by single-channel memory, PCIe 3.0, and no P-core performance.
Best for: Buying or specifying a fanless mini PC, home NAS, or embedded appliance where 15 W (or lower) is a hard constraint and workloads are light.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 100U or Intel Core 3 N355?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 3 N355 comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core 3 100U or Intel Core 3 N355?
For gaming, the Intel Core 3 100U leads with a gaming performance score of 0/100 among Intel Core 3 100U and Intel Core 3 N355.
Do Intel Core 3 100U and Intel Core 3 N355 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 100U: BGA 1744, Intel Core 3 N355: FCBGA1264 (35 mm × 24 mm)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 3 N355 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 3 100U (6 cores), Intel Core 3 N355 (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core 3 100U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core 3 100U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.