CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 N350 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 115U
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.
Snappy for office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Lacks the memory bandwidth and core power required for modern AAA or competitive esports titles.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight 2D games.
Virtualization
Not suitable for running virtual machines due to low core performance and limited memory channels.
Not recommended due to low core count.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency that enables all-day battery life in portable devices.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
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
- 11 TOPS NPU included
- Good for background blur and noise cancellation
- Not for heavy AI generation
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
- 48EU graphics is entry-level
- Fine for browser games
- Not suitable for modern 3D titles
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 power efficiency
- Integrated NPU for AI tasks
- Good burst performance for daily tasks
- Supports fast LPDDR5X memory
- Affordable entry to Core Ultra
Cons
- Low core count limits multitasking
- Only 48EU graphics
- No PCIe Gen 5 support
- Locked multiplier
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 Ultra 5 115U
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 5 125URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
More E-Cores and better graphics for a small price bump.
Compare head-to-headOlder Raptor Lake architecture but similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1334UAlt
Cheaper, older generation alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 3 7440UAlt
Competitive budget alternative.
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 solid entry-level Meteor Lake chip that delivers great battery life and AI features for basic daily tasks.
Best for: The Core Ultra 5 115U is the ideal processor for students, office workers, and casual users who prioritize battery life and affordability. If your daily routine involves document editing, web conferencing, and streaming video, this CPU will handle these tasks effortlessly while providing excellent battery longevity. The integrated NPU adds value by preparing your device for future Windows AI features. However, this is not the processor for video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming; its reduced core count and 48EU graphics are not designed for heavy workloads. If you occasionally dabble in photo editing or light gaming, consider stepping up to the 135U. For purely administrative and educational tasks, the 115U offers outstanding value and efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 N350 or Intel Core Ultra 5 115U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 115U comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 Ultra 5 115U?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 115U leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U.
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 Ultra 5 115U (15 W).
Do Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core Ultra 5 115U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 N350: BGA 1264, Intel Core Ultra 5 115U: Intel BGA 2049), 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.