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Intel Core 3 N355 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$310
  • PassMark benchmark result: 10363
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.9 GHz

Intel Core 3 N355 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

5.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.6

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.5

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.8

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.8

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core 3 N355 is an entry-level mobile processor from the Twin Lake series, featuring 8 Gracemont efficiency cores and 8 threads with a max turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz and 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Built on the Intel 7 (10nm) process, it operates with a low thermal design power (TDP) of 15W (configurable down to 9W) and includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics with 32 execution units, supporting modern memory like LPDDR5-4800 and hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding. Its main advantages include high energy efficiency for long battery life in budget laptops and solid multitasking performance for everyday productivity, though it is held back by a lack of hyper-threading, a single-channel memory restriction, and limited suitability for demanding gaming or heavy creative workloads.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core 3 N355

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.4
Intel Core 3 N355 has a technical score of 4.36 points, which is lower than that of 69.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core 3 N355 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

5.9
Intel Core 3 N355 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 69.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core 3 N355 belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1264
Intel Core 3 N355 uses the FCBGA1264 CPU socket, which is older than that of 93.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core 3 N355 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core 3 N355 offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core 3 N355 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.9 GHz
Intel Core 3 N355 reaches a boost clock of 3.9 GHz which is lower than that of 65% of processors and equal to that of 3.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 3.0 GHz
Intel Core 3 N355 has a base clock of 8x3.0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core 3 N355 uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 7
Intel Core 3 N355 is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core 3 N355 has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

4 MB
Intel Core 3 N355 has an L2 cache of 4 MB which is larger than that of 55.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

768 KB
Intel Core 3 N355 has an L1 cache of 768 KB which is larger than that of 78.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.4% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5
Intel Core 3 N355 supports DDR DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5, which is newer than that of 95.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

4,800 MHz
Intel Core 3 N355 supports memory speeds up to 4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR5-4800 MHz
Intel Core 3 N355 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.1% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

16 GB
Intel Core 3 N355 supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 91.7% of processors and equal to 6.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core 3 N355 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Intel UHD Graphics
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 32EU
Intel Core 3 N355 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 32EU integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 62.1% of processors and equal to that in 0.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

32
Intel Core 3 N355 has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core 3 N355 has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core 3 N355 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 85% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core 3 N355 has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core 3 N355 has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

15 W
Intel Core 3 N355 has a boost power of 15 W which is lower than that of 93.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core 3 N355 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core 3 N355 supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 9 W
Show more

Intel Core 3 N355 vs the average processor

  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core 3 N355 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core 3 N355 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • 76.6% lower boost power
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.15 W vs 64 W
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 2x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
    When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=512 KB

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.768 KB vs 384 KB
  • 5 year/s newer release date
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a newer release date than the average processor (2,025 vs 2,020).
    January 2025
    What it is: The launch date of the processor.
    When it matters: When you want a newer platform or longer expected support life.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2022

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a newer release date than the average processor (2,025 vs 2,020).2025 vs 2020
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core 3 N355 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
    When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core 3 N355 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core 3 N355 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core 3 N355 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.AES, VAES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA
  • 5 year/s newer release date
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a newer release date than the average processor (2,025 vs 2,020).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core 3 N355 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core 3 N355 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 11 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (39 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 2x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core 3 N355 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 60% larger L2 cache
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core 3 N355 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
  • 63.7% higher memory speed
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,800 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 76.6% lower boost power
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core 3 N355 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core 3 N355 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,264 vs FP2).
  • 18.8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (393 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core 3 N355 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 27.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 11% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,209 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 8.6% lower single-core score
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,344 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core 3 N355 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 56.2% less L3 per core
    Intel Core 3 N355 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (0.8 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core 3 N355 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Twin Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 7 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core 3 N355 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (9 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Intel Core 3 N355 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 16.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (38.4 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 1 fewer memory channels
    Intel Core 3 N355 has fewer memory channels than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core 3 N355 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Twin Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core 3 N355 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Twin Lake vs Kaby Lake).Twin Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 56.2% less L3 per core
    Intel Core 3 N355 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (0.8 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core 3 N355 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (0.8 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.0.75 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core 3 N355 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core 3 N355 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 18.8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (393 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (393 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.393 vs 484
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core 3 N355 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core 3 N355 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 7 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core 3 N355 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (9 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core 3 N355 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (9 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.9 vs 16
  • 27.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core 3 N355 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.2,015 vs 2,783
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core 3 N355 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core 3 N355?

  • Efficient power consumption with a low 15W TDP, making it ideal for fanless or quiet mini PCs.
  • Solid performance for everyday productivity tasks like web browsing, office work, and video streaming.
  • Improved multitasking over previous 4-core N-series chips thanks to its 8-core, 8-thread architecture.
  • Strong media capabilities with Quick Sync, supporting hardware-decoding for AV1 and smooth 4K video transcoding/streaming.
  • Good value for budget-oriented devices, often found in affordable laptops and entry-level NAS systems.

What customers dislike about Intel Core 3 N355?

  • Very minor performance gains (estimated 1-3%) compared to its predecessor, the Core i3-N305.
  • Weak gaming and 3D performance due to limited execution units and single-channel memory restrictions.
  • Lack of performance cores (P-cores) results in unimpressive single-core speeds compared to standard Core i3 or Ryzen processors.
  • Poor suitability for heavy workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or complex Photoshop tasks.
  • Perceived by some as a simple 'rebadge' of older silicon rather than a meaningful architectural advancement.

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
01/01/2025
Intel Core 3 N355 - CPU Benchmarks Would you like to compare these performance results with the previous generation N305?

The Intel Core 3 N355 is an 8-core/8-thread "Twin Lake" entry-level processor (15W TDP) for budget mobile devices, offering a modest 1–3% performance boost over the predecessor i3-N305. Pros include efficient multi-threaded performance, support for DDR5-4800, and integrated UHD Graphics capable of handling AV1 decoding, suitable for fanless designs. However, cons feature weak...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
01/06/2026
Intel Core 3 N355 - LaptopMedia

The Intel Core 3 N355 is an early 2025 mobile processor designed for budget and ultraportable laptops, featuring 8 efficiency cores based on the Alder Lake-N architecture. It provides a performance boost over the N305, operating with a 3.00 GHz base frequency and a 3.90 GHz turbo boost, enhancing responsiveness in daily tasks. Benchmarks show a 334 Cinebench 2024 score and 5088 in...Read more

S
servethehome.com
23/06/2025
The Intel Core 3 N355 Update Over the Core i3-N305

According to ServeTheHome, the Intel Core 3 N355 acts as a 2025 refresh of the Core i3-N305, maintaining an 8-core/8-thread "Gracemont" configuration on the "Intel 7" process with a 15W TDP. Pros include a minor 1–3% performance boost from a 3.9GHz max turbo speed, improved AV1 hardware decoding, and support for newer Wi-Fi 7 modules. However, cons feature the minimal performance...Read more

N
nascompares.com
21/03/2025
CWWK N355 DIY NAS Review

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard, featuring an 8-core Intel Core 3 N355 processor with 15W TDP, is designed for compact, energy-efficient storage, offering dual 2.5GbE, six SATA III ports, and PCIe expansion. The board excels in multi-tasking scenarios like Docker containers and Plex streaming, while supporting up to 48GB of DDR5 RAM for virtualization tasks. However, the review...Read more

L
laptopmedia.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core 3 N355 - LaptopMedia

The Intel Core 3 N355 is an Alder Lake-N 8-core processor designed for budget, low-power laptops and mini PCs, featuring only Gracemont E-cores and a 15W base TDP. Its pros include respectable multi-core performance for its class, native AV1 decoding, and Wi-Fi 7 support, making it suitable for thin, fanless designs. Cons include limited single-core responsiveness due to the lack of...Read more

S
servethehome.com
23/06/2025
The Intel Core 3 N355 Update Over the Core i3-N305

The ServeTheHome review characterizes the Intel Core 3 N355 as a minor iterative update to the Core i3-N305, offering a slight 100MHz boost in turbo clock to 3.9GHz and a 1.35GHz GPU frequency. Performance gains are minimal, with benchmarks showing a marginal 1-3% advantage, indicating the N355 is likely a binned version of the original 15W, 8 E-core architecture. While pros include...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
Mars 2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core 3 N355 (1T)

The CPU-Z benchmark for the Intel Core i5-12600K on a Gigabyte Z690 motherboard reveals high-end performance from its 10-core, 16-thread Alder Lake architecture, featuring 6 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores. Key advantages include exceptional single-thread performance, offering roughly 26% higher scores than the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, along with modern platform support for PCIe...Read more

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