CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core i3-N305
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 3 N355 is an 8-core, 8-thread value SoC for thin-and-light laptops, mini PCs, and edge devices, built on Intel 7 with up to 3.9 GHz burst and 32 EU integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 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.
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Gracemont cores include AVX-VNNI but lack the performance for meaningful AI work
- Not suitable for AI or ML tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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.
- Not designed for gaming
- UHD 770 (32 EUs) is better than UHD 64EU but still far from gaming-capable
- Single-channel memory severely limits graphics performance
- Older titles at lowest settings and resolutions may be marginally playable
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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.
Pros
- 8 cores provide good parallel throughput for the price
- Very low power consumption with 9W configurable TDP
- UHD Graphics 770 is better than expected for this tier
- Fully dynamic clock domains for granular power management
- Supports AVX-VNNI instruction extensions
- Enables very affordable mini PCs and Chromebooks
Cons
- No P-cores means weak single-threaded performance
- Single-channel memory halves bandwidth
- Only 9 PCIe 3.0 lanes severely limit expansion
- 6MB L3 cache is small for 8 cores
- Gracemont IPC is significantly lower than Golden Cove
- PCIe 3.0 is a generation behind the 4.0 support on U-series chips
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i3-N305
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520URival
Budget Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1215URival
Mainstream Mobile
- MediaTek Kompanio 1380Rival
Budget Mobile
- Intel Pentium Silver N6005Rival
Entry Mobile
Same architecture at even lower 7W TDP if maximum efficiency is the priority.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Celeron N5095Alt
Jasper Lake alternative if even lower cost is needed, though with fewer cores.
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA unique all-E-core processor that offers 8 threads of parallel performance at very low power, but the absence of any P-cores means single-threaded performance is significantly behind hybrid chips. Best suited for devices where core count marketing and power efficiency matter more than snappy responsiveness.
Best for: Budget mini PC or Chromebook purchase where 8-core parallelism at low power is valued, and single-threaded performance is not critical.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 N355 or Intel Core i3-N305?
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.
Do Intel Core 3 N355 and Intel Core i3-N305 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 N355: FCBGA1264 (35 mm × 24 mm), Intel Core i3-N305: BGA 1264), so each needs a compatible motherboard.