CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 N350 vs Intel Core i3-1215U
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 standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
Gaming
Lacks the memory bandwidth and core power required for modern AAA or competitive esports titles.
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Virtualization
Not suitable for running virtual machines due to low core performance and limited memory channels.
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency that enables all-day battery life in portable devices.
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
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 AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
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
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU can manage 2D games and very basic 3D
- Modern AAA titles will not run at playable frame rates
- Older eSports titles at lowest settings may be marginally playable
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
- Hybrid architecture brings efficiency gains to the i3 tier
- 2 P-cores provide responsive single-threaded performance
- 4 E-cores handle background tasks without waking P-cores
- Broad memory compatibility for OEM flexibility
- 15W TDP enables excellent battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for fast storage
Cons
- Only 8 threads limit heavy multitasking
- 15W base power constrains sustained performance
- E-cores lack Hyper-Threading
- UHD 64EU integrated graphics are weak for 3D workloads
- BGA package means no CPU upgrade path
- E-core L2 cache is 2MB per module (less than Raptor Lake's 4MB)
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 i3-1215U
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mainstream Mobile
- Apple M1 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mid-Range Mobile
Raptor Cove P-cores offer better IPC and higher boost clocks for similar power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Zen 3 architecture provides competitive efficiency for basic computing tasks.
- Apple M1 (base MacBook Air)Alt
Dramatically better performance per watt and battery life at a higher price point.
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 reviewA competent entry-level hybrid mobile chip that introduced the P+E architecture to the i3 laptop segment. Adequate for everyday tasks, though the 8-thread ceiling and 15W power limit constrain heavier workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget to mid-range laptop in 2022-2023 for everyday tasks, schoolwork, and office use where battery life matters more than raw performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 N350 or Intel Core i3-1215U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core 3 N350 comes out ahead with a score of 6.2/10. 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 i3-1215U?
For gaming, the Intel Core 3 N350 leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core i3-1215U.
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 i3-1215U (15 W).
Do Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core i3-1215U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 N350: BGA 1264, Intel Core i3-1215U: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 3 N350 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 3 N350 (8 cores), Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores).
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.