CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 226V
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
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles web, office, and light multitasking well; single-channel memory constrains memory-sensitive workloads.
Adequate for office work, web browsing, and light productivity. The 16GB memory cap is the main limitation for heavier multitasking or content creation.
Gaming
Not designed for gaming; playable only at low resolutions and settings in older titles due to the 32 EU iGPU and single-channel memory.
The Arc 130V iGPU handles casual and older games at 720p/1080p low, but this is not a gaming chip. The 4.5 GHz boost and 16GB memory limit further constrain gaming potential.
Efficiency
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.
Exceptional performance-per-watt. The 17W TDP with on-package memory eliminates a major power consumer, enabling 15+ hours of real-world battery life in well-designed laptops.
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.
- 40 TOPS NPU 4 meets Microsoft's Copilot+ PC threshold
- Can run small language models locally
- Windows Studio Effects run entirely on NPU
- DLBoost 4.0 adds CPU-based AI acceleration
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.
- Arc 130V can handle eSports titles at playable frame rates
- 16GB memory limit restricts modern AAA game performance
- 4.5 GHz boost is lower than the 236V/238V's 4.7 GHz
- Not designed or marketed as a gaming processor
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
- Exceptional battery life from 17W TDP
- 40 TOPS NPU 4 for AI features
- On-package memory reduces latency and power
- Arc 130V iGPU is a significant leap over Iris Xe
- Thin-and-light form factor enablement
Cons
- 16GB memory is soldered and not upgradeable
- 4.5 GHz boost is the lowest in the V-series
- Limited PCIe lanes restrict expandability
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
- BGA package means the entire laptop must be replaced to upgrade
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 Ultra 5 226V
- Compare head-to-headApple M3Rival
Ultra-Portable Laptop
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 360Rival
Copilot+ PC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X PlusRival
ARM Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 7 8840URival
Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Budget Ultra-Portable
Same 16GB memory but with a higher 4.7 GHz boost for better performance in the same laptop category.
Compare head-to-headSame 4.5 GHz boost but with 32GB memory if you need more RAM for multitasking.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M3 MacBook AirAlt
Superior battery life and integrated software ecosystem, though at a higher price point.
More cores (14 vs 8) and upgradeable memory if you can accept a thicker, heavier laptop.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewAn excellent choice for ultra-thin laptops where battery life is the top priority. The 16GB memory limit and 4.5 GHz boost cap its potential for heavier workloads, but for everyday mobility, it delivers exceptional efficiency.
Best for: Buying an ultra-thin, lightweight laptop where battery life and portability are the primary concerns, and your workload is limited to web, office, and light creative tasks.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core 3 N355 or Intel Core Ultra 5 226V?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 N355 or Intel Core Ultra 5 226V?
For gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core 3 N355 and Intel Core Ultra 5 226V.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core 3 N355 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core 3 N355 (15 W), Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (17 W).
Do Intel Core 3 N355 and Intel Core Ultra 5 226V use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 3 N355: FCBGA1264 (35 mm × 24 mm), Intel Core Ultra 5 226V: BGA 2833), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core Ultra 5 226V posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (3,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.