CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 N350 vs Intel Core i3-1220P
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.
The 8 E-cores handle background multitasking exceptionally well, making the system feel responsive during heavy multi-tab browsing.
Gaming
Lacks the memory bandwidth and core power required for modern AAA or competitive esports titles.
The Iris Xe 64EU graphics can handle older or lightweight games at low settings, but this is not a gaming processor.
Virtualization
Not suitable for running virtual machines due to low core performance and limited memory channels.
The high E-core count provides decent throughput for containerized or VM workloads, though P-core limited tasks will be slower.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency that enables all-day battery life in portable devices.
Excellent power efficiency for a 10-core chip. The 28 W base power and E-core dominance allow for long battery life in thin laptops.
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
- 10 cores provide some CPU inference capability but it is not optimized for AI
- Not recommended for AI development or training
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
- Iris Xe 64EU is vastly superior to UHD Graphics 730 but still not a gaming GPU
- Can play esports titles like League of Legends and CS2 at 1080p low
- Modern AAA games will require low settings and may still struggle
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
- Excellent multi-tasking capability thanks to 8 E-cores
- Low 28 W power draw enables good battery life in thin laptops
- Iris Xe 64EU graphics are significantly better than desktop i3 iGPU
- 10 cores provide strong multi-threaded specs for the price tier
- Handles everyday web and office tasks with ease
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores severely limit single-threaded and active workload performance
- E-cores cannot match P-core performance in demanding applications
- 28 W base power limits sustained performance in thermally constrained chassis
- Not suitable for serious content creation or heavy productivity
- E-core heavy design can cause inconsistent performance in poorly threaded applications
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 i3-1220P
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Zen 3+ Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
High-Core Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mainstream U-Series
Adds 2 more P-cores (4P+8E) for dramatically better active workload performance at a slight price premium.
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 i3-1220P maximizes core count on a budget by using 8 E-cores, delivering excellent multitasking for thin-and-light laptops but falling short in single-threaded tasks compared to processors with more P-cores.
Best for: The i3-1220P is not a standalone purchase but a component integrated into laptops. When shopping for a thin-and-light laptop in 2022-2023, a machine with the 1220P offers a good balance of everyday performance and battery life for web browsing, office work, and media consumption. However, be aware that the 2 P-cores will limit performance in CPU-intensive applications like video editing or heavy compiling. If your laptop budget allows, stepping up to an i5-1240P or i5-12500P provides 4 P-cores and significantly better sustained performance for a modest price increase.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 N350 or Intel Core i3-1220P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1220P comes out ahead with a score of 6.8/10. 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 i3-1220P?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1220P leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core i3-1220P.
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 i3-1220P (28 W).
Do Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core i3-1220P use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 N350: BGA 1264, Intel Core i3-1220P: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1220P has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 3 N350 (8 cores), Intel Core i3-1220P (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1220P posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core 3 N350 (0), Intel Core i3-1220P (11,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.