Intel Atom x7-E3950 vs Intel Processor N95

The Intel Atom x7-E3950, introduced in late 2016, is a processor designed for embedded systems, industrial applications, and fanless mini-PCs.

Based on the Cherry Trail architecture, manufactured using a 14 nm process, it offers four cores and four threads. It features 0 MB of Level 2 cache and 2 MB of Level 3 cache. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 505. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s and PCIe 2.0, it is designed for extreme energy efficiency and reliability in specialized environments.

The Intel Processor N95, introduced in early 2023, is a more modern processor based on the Alder Lake N architecture, manufactured using a 10 nm process.

It targets affordable entry-level laptops and mini-PCs. It also has four cores and four threads but offers a larger 4 MB Level 2 cache and 6 MB Level 3 cache. Integrated graphics performance is provided by the Intel UHD Graphics 16 EUs (Alder Lake). The maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s, with a more modern PCIe 3.0 connection.

In terms of performance, the Intel Processor N95 significantly surpasses the Intel Atom x7-E3950 in single-core and multi-core benchmarks, thanks to its newer architecture and manufacturing process. This results in a noticeably smoother user experience for everyday tasks.

For gaming, both are only very limitedly usable. However, the Intel Processor N95 offers better, basic graphics performance with its more current Intel UHD Graphics compared to the Intel HD Graphics 505 of the Intel Atom x7-E3950. Both CPUs are extremely energy-efficient. The Intel Atom x7-E3950 is optimized for minimal power consumption, while the Intel Processor N95 delivers significantly higher performance per watt at a slightly higher typical power consumption.

Both are suitable for fanless systems. From a price-performance perspective, the Intel Processor N95 is clearly superior. For its price in current mini-PCs or laptops, it offers incomparably higher computing power than the Intel Atom x7-E3950, whose relevance is limited to specialized embedded applications.

The Intel Processor N95 is the recommended choice for most modern, basic computing applications. The Intel Atom x7-E3950 remains a niche solution for extremely low-power embedded systems focusing on compatibility and minimal consumption.