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Intel N97 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • PassMark benchmark result: 5840
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.6 GHz

Intel N97 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.9

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%

3.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.9

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%

2.7

Performance

18.0%

5.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.3

Platform

1.0%

6.9

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

  • 3.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.1

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.6

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £110

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 N97 is an entry-level mobile processor from the Alder Lake-N series, featuring 4 efficiency cores (Gracemont architecture) with 4 threads and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.60 GHz. Built on the Intel 7 process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache, a 12W TDP, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics with 24 execution units running at up to 1.20 GHz. Main pros include its superior graphics clock speed and multi-core performance compared to the popular N100 model, making it a strong budget choice for mini-PCs, media streaming, and light emulation. However, it is hindered by its single-channel memory support (DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800), lack of Hyper-Threading, and limited PCIe Gen 3 lane count, which restricts its use in demanding 3D gaming or high-end expansion setups.

    Technical Specifications of processor Intel N97

    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

    3.9
    Intel N97 has a technical score of 3.93 points, which is lower than that of 84% 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 N97 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%

    3.9

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.9

    Price

    5.7
    Intel N97 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% 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

    embedded
    Intel N97 belongs to the embedded processor class, which is less advanced than that of 92.7% of processors and equal to that of 7.3% 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 N97 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 N97 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.
    Show more
    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+

    4
    Intel N97 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% 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+

    4
    Intel N97 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% 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 N97 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

    3.6 GHz
    Intel N97 reaches a boost clock of 3.6 GHz which is lower than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% 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

    4 x 2.0 GHz
    Intel N97 has a base clock of 4x2.0 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 N97 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 N97 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 N97 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

    2 MB
    Intel N97 has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% 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

    384 KB
    Intel N97 has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% 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 N97 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 N97 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 N97 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

    32 GB
    Intel N97 supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% 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 N97 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated 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 24EU
    Intel N97 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 24EU integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 63% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% 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

    24
    Intel N97 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% 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

    ?
    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

    AV1 (HW decode)
    Intel N97 supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% 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

    12 W
    Intel N97 has a TDP of 12 W which is lower than that of 93.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% 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

    12 W
    Intel N97 has a base power of 12 W which is lower than that of 93.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% 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

    25 W
    Intel N97 has a boost power of 25 W which is lower than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% 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 N97 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

    no
    Intel N97 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
    Show more

    Intel N97 vs the average processor

    • Newer DDR support
      Intel N97 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 N97 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4
    • 73.3% lower base power
      Intel N97 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (12 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 N97 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (12 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.12 W vs 45 W
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      Intel N97 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder 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 N97 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
    • 60.9% lower boost power
      Intel N97 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 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 N97 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.25 W vs 64 W
    • 5 °C higher TJ Max
      Intel N97 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 N97 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
    • 73.3% lower TDP
      Intel N97 has a lower TDP than the average processor (12 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
      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

      Intel N97 has a lower TDP than the average processor (12 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.12 W vs 45 W
    • More advanced foundry
      Intel N97 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 N97 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
    • 63.7% higher memory speed
      Intel N97 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.
      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

      Intel N97 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.4800 MHz vs 2933 MHz
    • 3 year/s newer release date
      Intel N97 has a newer release date than the average processor (2,023 vs 2,020).
    • More advanced microarchitecture
      Intel N97 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    • More advanced foundry
      Intel N97 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    • 16.7% smaller process node
      Intel N97 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 N97 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    • 63.7% higher memory speed
      Intel N97 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.
    • 73.3% lower base power
      Intel N97 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (12 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    • 60.9% lower boost power
      Intel N97 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    • 5 °C higher TJ Max
      Intel N97 has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    • 73.3% lower TDP
      Intel N97 has a lower TDP than the average processor (12 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

    Total
    Platform
    Cache & Architecture
    Memory & PCIe
    Power & Thermal
    • Narrower instruction support
      Intel N97 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    • Older CPU socket
      Intel N97 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,264 vs FP2).
    • 59.9% weaker multi-core performance
      Intel N97 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,115 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    • 16.3% lower boost clock
      Intel N97 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    • 23.3% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
      Intel N97 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (371 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    • 18.2% weaker single-core performance
      Intel N97 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,032 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    • 2 fewer CPU cores
      Intel N97 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    • No multithreading support
      Intel N97 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    • 4 fewer CPU threads
      Intel N97 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    • 44.6% lower PassMark score
      Intel N97 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,840 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    • 33.9% lower multi-core score
      Intel N97 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,168 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    • 11.6% lower single-core score
      Intel N97 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,300 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    • 1 fewer threads per core
      Intel N97 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
    • 12.5% less L3 per core
      Intel N97 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    • 20% smaller L2 cache
      Intel N97 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    • 25% smaller L3 cache
      Intel N97 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 N97 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (9 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    • 50% less memory capacity
      Intel N97 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    • 16.2% lower memory bandwidth
      Intel N97 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 N97 has fewer memory channels than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    • Narrower media codec support
      Intel N97 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    • No configurable TDP
      Intel N97 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
      Intel N97 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.
    • 59.9% weaker multi-core performance
      Intel N97 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,115 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 N97 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,115 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,115 vs 2,783
    • 16.3% lower boost clock
      Intel N97 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 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 N97 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
    • 23.3% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
      Intel N97 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (371 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 N97 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (371 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.371 vs 484
    • 2 fewer CPU cores
      Intel N97 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU 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+

      Intel N97 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
    • 18.2% weaker single-core performance
      Intel N97 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,032 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
      What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
      When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >3200

      Intel N97 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,032 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,032 vs 2,483
    • Narrower instruction support
      Intel N97 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES 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 N97 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
    • No multithreading support
      Intel N97 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 N97 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    • 4 fewer CPU threads
      Intel N97 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 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+

      Intel N97 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
    Total
    Overall
    Platform
    Performance
    Cache & Architecture
    Memory & PCIe
    Integrated Graphics
    Power & Thermal

    Graphic comparison of Intel N97 and other processors

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    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Intel N97?

    • Better graphics performance than the N100 due to higher iGPU clock speeds (1.2 GHz)
    • Capable of handling 4K video playback and streaming smoothly
    • Excellent energy efficiency with a low 12W TDP, making it ideal for always-on devices like NAS or media servers
    • Strong value for budget-conscious users, often found in very affordable mini PCs
    • Supports modern features like AV1 decoding and Intel Quick Sync for video processing
    • Decent for light gaming (2D titles and some older 3D games like GTA V at reduced settings) and emulation

    What customers dislike about Intel N97?

    • Limited to 4 cores and 4 threads with no hyper-threading, which restricts heavy multitasking
    • Often paired with slower M.2 SATA storage rather than NVMe in budget configurations
    • Susceptible to thermal throttling in very small chassis, sometimes requiring thermal paste repasting for optimal performance
    • Single-channel memory support limits overall bandwidth and system snappiness
    • Lacks the performance needed for modern intensive 3D gaming or professional video editing
    • Integrated 12GB RAM in some popular models is non-upgradeable and can be a bottleneck

    Expert reviews

    T
    techtest.org
    26/05/2025
    ACEMAGIC V1 Mini PC Review: Is the Intel N97 Dwarf Worth It?

    The ACEMAGIC V1 Mini PC, powered by the Intel N97 processor, is a budget-friendly, ultra-compact desktop offering capable performance for office tasks and 4K streaming. Its primary pros include a tiny 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.3-inch form factor, quiet operation under 38 dB, and robust connectivity. The device, often priced around $259, features 16GB of DDR4 RAM and supports dual 4K displays....Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    P
    pocketpc.ch
    23/11/2024
    NiPoGi GK3 Plus Mini PC with Intel N97 Review

    The NiPoGi GK3 Plus (Intel N97) is reviewed as an efficient, budget-friendly mini PC, highlighting its near-silent operation and excellent price-to-performance ratio for everyday tasks. Featuring 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it supports triple-display setups and offers tool-free access to expand storage. While offering a 20% performance boost over previous generations (N100/N95),...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    N
    notebookcheck.biz
    13/03/2026
    Acemagic S1 Review: Home Mini PC with Intel N97, 512GB, and Built-in Display

    The ACEMAGIC S1 Mini PC features a unique 1.9-inch LCD screen for monitoring system metrics, housed in a compact chassis with tool-free, magnetic access to internal components. Powered by an Intel N97 processor, the unit is suited for basic office tasks, 4K streaming, and includes dual Gigabit LAN ports for home networking. Notable drawbacks include single-channel memory, the lack...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    cpubenchmark.net
    28/05/2023
    Intel N97 - CPU Benchmarks (Italian Data)

    The Intel Processor N97 is an entry-level Alder Lake-N CPU designed for low-power, cost-effective, and embedded systems. It features 4 cores/4 threads with a 12W TDP, offering slightly higher performance than the N100 due to higher turbo clocks up to 3.6 GHz. The CPU supports modern features like AV1 decoding and DDR5 memory, making it well-suited for light productivity. Key pros...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    L
    laptopmedia.com
    01/06/2023
    Intel Processor N97 | LaptopMedia

    The Intel Processor N97 is a 12W TDP, Alder Lake-N entry-level CPU featuring four "Efficient" cores designed for budget laptops and mini PCs, offering a performance boost over the Intel N100. A key advantage is its capable Intel UHD Graphics (24EU) with higher 1200 MHz clocks, which improves light gaming and 4K streaming performance, alongside support for faster LPDDR5-4800 memory....Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    N
    notebookcheck.nl
    13/03/2024
    Acemagic S1 Mini-PC review - Intel N97

    The Acemagic S1 is a budget-friendly mini PC featuring an Intel N97 processor and a unique, customizable 1.9-inch LCD screen for real-time system monitoring. It offers strong performance for office tasks and media consumption, with practical features like a magnetic vertical stand, tool-less access to storage, and dual Gigabit LAN ports for networking. However, the device lacks...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

    Video reviews

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