Intel Core i3-1005G1 vs Intel Processor N95

The Intel Core i3-1005G1, based on the Ice Lake U architecture, was introduced in 2019 and, as an Intel manufacturer, targets energy-efficient mobile devices and entry-level desktop systems for everyday tasks.

It is manufactured using a 10 nm process and features two cores and four threads. Characteristic is its 4 MB Level 3 Cache, while the Level 2 Cache is specified as 0 MB. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics (Ice Lake G1), which benefits from a maximum memory bandwidth of 60 GB/s. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i3-1005G1 shows good performance in some benchmarks, while delivering solid results in multi-core scenarios, making it suitable for basic productivity and media consumption.

The Intel Processor N95, based on the newer Alder Lake N architecture, was launched in 2023 and, as an Intel manufacturer, aims at energy-efficient entry-level desktops, mini-PCs, and special embedded systems.

Also manufactured in 10 nm, it offers four cores and four threads, which are designed as efficiency cores. This processor features 4 MB of Level 2 Cache and 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 16 EUs (Alder Lake) with a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. In single-core performance, the Intel Processor N95 shows a slight superiority in some benchmarks, while its four cores can achieve comparable to better multi-core performance than older architectures in modern, parallelized applications, making it ideal for modern, cost-effective work environments.

In a direct comparison of single-core performance, mixed results emerge: The Intel Processor N95 shows significantly higher performance in certain benchmarks, while the Intel Core i3-1005G1 takes the lead in other tests with similarly significantly higher performance. For multi-core performance, the Intel Core i3-1005G1 offers significantly higher performance in some older benchmarks.

However, the Intel Processor N95, with its four efficiency cores, can deliver competitive performance in more modern, highly parallelized applications and shows superior performance in specific newer benchmark versions. For gaming scenarios, both processors are only suitable for very undemanding titles.

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics (Ice Lake G1) of the Intel Core i3-1005G1 benefits from higher memory bandwidth, while the Intel UHD Graphics 16 EUs (Alder Lake) of the Intel Processor N95 benefits from a newer architecture. Neither is designed for modern games or offers sufficient performance for them.

Regarding power consumption and thermal design power (TDP), both processors are designed for energy efficiency, typically with a TDP of 15W. They are well-suited for systems designed for low power consumption and quiet operation, and are often found in fanless or passively cooled solutions. The price-performance ratio of both processors is attractive for their respective target groups.

The Intel Core i3-1005G1, as an older model, is often found in very inexpensive systems or remaining stock. The Intel Processor N95, as a newer model, offers a more modern architecture and improved efficiency in the same price segment for current entry-level systems and mini-PCs. In summary, the Intel Core i3-1005G1 offers proven performance for everyday tasks and scores well in some older multi-core benchmarks.

The Intel Processor N95, on the other hand, impresses with its more modern architecture, a more efficient core configuration, and sometimes superior performance in newer applications, making it a good choice for current, energy-efficient budget systems. Both are suitable for basic office applications and web browsing.

For systems that should benefit from a newer architecture and better performance in modern, parallelized tasks, the Intel Processor N95 is the more advantageous choice.