CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 N350 vs Intel Core 3 N355
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 3 N350 is an ultra-low-power 8-core mobile processor built on the Alder Lake-N architecture, featuring a 7W TDP and integrated UHD Graphics 770 for entry-level laptops and Chromebooks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles word processing and spreadsheets effortlessly, but struggles with large macros or heavy databases.
Handles web, office, and light multitasking well; single-channel memory constrains memory-sensitive workloads.
Gaming
Lacks the memory bandwidth and core power required for modern AAA or competitive esports titles.
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
Not suitable for running virtual machines due to low core performance and limited memory channels.
Adequate for a couple of light VMs or containers, but limited RAM ceiling (16 GB) and single-channel bandwidth.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency that enables all-day battery life in portable devices.
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
- Lacks a dedicated NPU
- VNNI instructions provide minimal acceleration for local AI workloads
- AI tasks should be offloaded to the cloud
- 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
- Single-channel memory severely limits iGPU frame rates
- E-cores lack the single-thread speed for CPU-bound games
- Playable only in very old or 2D indie titles
- 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
- Incredibly low 7W power consumption
- Eight physical cores provide good basic multitasking
- Capable UHD Graphics 770 for media decoding
- Flexible DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 memory support
- Completely silent operation in fanless chassis
Cons
- Single-channel memory severely limits performance
- No high-performance P-cores for snappy single-thread tasks
- Only 9 PCIe Gen 3 lanes restrict expansion
- Not suitable for gaming or content creation
- Soldered BGA package prevents upgrades
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 N350
- AMD Ryzen 3 7330URival
Entry-Level Mobile
- MediaTek Kompanio 520Rival
Budget Chromebook
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3Rival
Always Connected PC
- Intel Pentium Silver N6005Rival
Legacy Budget Mobile
- AMD Athlon Silver 7120URival
Ultra-Budget Mobile
- Intel Processor N200Alt
Offers similar efficiency at a potentially lower price point for even tighter budgets.
Provides 8 E-cores with a higher 15W TDP for noticeably better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7520UAlt
Features Zen 2 cores with Radeon 610M graphics, offering better multi-threaded throughput.
- MediaTek Kompanio 1380Alt
An ARM-based alternative that provides exceptional battery life with capable integrated graphics.
A slight step up in price that nets you 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores for a massive performance jump.
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
The Core 3 N350 delivers exceptional power efficiency and capable media playback in a 7W package, but is strictly limited by its single-channel memory architecture and E-core-only design.
Best for: Purchasing a budget laptop or Chromebook for school or office work where battery life is the top priority.
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 N350 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 N350 or Intel Core 3 N355?
For gaming, the Intel Core 3 N350 leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core 3 N355.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 3 N350 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 3 N350 (7 W), Intel Core 3 N355 (15 W).
Do Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core 3 N355 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 N350: BGA 1264, Intel Core 3 N355: FCBGA1264 (35 mm × 24 mm)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core 3 N350 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core 3 N350 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.