Intel Celeron N4120 vs Intel Core 3 processor 100U

The Intel Celeron N4120, based on the Gemini Lake architecture and manufactured using the 14 nm process, is designed for energy-efficient, low-cost systems for basic tasks.

It features four cores and four threads with 4 MB L3 cache and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600. Its 38 GB/s memory bandwidth supports everyday applications like web browsing. Benchmarks show a single-core performance of 362 and multi-core of 1076. With a TDP of 6 watts, it is designed for maximum energy efficiency and passive cooling, ideal for very low-cost systems.

The Intel Core 3 processor 100U utilizes the newer Raptor Lake U architecture, manufactured using the more advanced 10 nm process.

It combines two performance and four efficiency cores for a total of six cores and eight threads, equipped with 10 MB L2 cache. Its integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics 64 (Alder Lake) and 83 GB/s memory bandwidth offer significantly superior graphics and data processing performance. The TDP is 15 watts.

In a direct comparison, the Intel Core 3 processor 100U significantly outperforms the Intel Celeron N4120 in single-core and multi-core performance, as well as in the graphics performance of the Intel Iris Xe Graphics, by well over 10 percent. This enables smoother basic gaming and more responsive usage.

Although the Intel Celeron N4120 offers maximum energy efficiency with a 6-watt TDP, the Intel Core 3 processor 100U, despite its 15-watt TDP, provides a significantly better price-performance ratio for modern, more versatile applications.