Intel Core i3-6100U vs Intel Processor N95

The Intel Core i3-6100U, introduced in the third quarter of 2015, is based on the Skylake U architecture.

It targeted energy-efficient systems for basic computing tasks. The Intel Processor N95, unveiled in the first quarter of 2023, utilizes the Alder Lake N architecture and is aimed at the market for cost-effective, energy-efficient devices such as mini-PCs.

The Intel Core i3-6100U was manufactured using the 14 nm process. The Intel Processor N95 benefits from a more advanced 10 nm manufacturing process and the more modern Alder Lake N architecture, which typically enables higher efficiency and power density. In performance comparison, the Intel Processor N95 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i3-6100U.

In single-core performance, the Intel Processor N95 is more than 10 percent superior in benchmarks. In multi-core performance, the Intel Processor N95 also achieves significantly better values, surpassing the Intel Core i3-6100U by more than 10 percent. This indicates the superior computing capability of the Intel Processor N95.

For basic gaming scenarios, the Intel Processor N95 also offers better performance. It integrates the Intel UHD Graphics 16 EUs (Alder Lake), while the Intel Core i3-6100U uses the Intel HD Graphics 520. The newer graphics unit of the Intel Processor N95 is architecturally more advanced and benefits from higher maximum memory bandwidth (38 GB/s versus 30 GB/s), contributing to smoother rendering in simpler games.

Both processors are designed for energy-efficient operation. The Intel Core i3-6100U was developed for low-power systems, a characteristic that the Intel Processor N95 continues with its modern architecture and 10 nm manufacturing process, along with improved performance. Without specific pricing information, the exact price-performance ratio cannot be determined.

The Intel Core i3-6100U is an older model, while the Intel Processor N95 is more current. Given the superior performance of the Intel Processor N95, a better price-performance ratio is expected for new acquisitions. The Intel Core i3-6100U is suitable for basic tasks in energy-efficient systems.

The Intel Processor N95 offers significantly higher overall performance and improved integrated graphics due to its modern architecture and more advanced manufacturing process. For general, modern computing tasks requiring a more responsive experience, the Intel Processor N95 is the clearly better choice.

The Intel Core i3-6100U is only an option if the absolute lowest cost for a very simple system is the priority.