Intel Core i3-8145U vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i3-8145U (Whiskey Lake U, 2019) is for mainstream notebooks. The Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake N, 2023) is for energy-efficient mini-PCs and embedded systems.

The Intel Core i3-8145U is manufactured using a 14 nm process with 2 cores/4 threads. The Intel Processor N100 uses a more modern 10 nm process with 4 efficiency cores/4 threads. In single-core performance, the Intel Processor N100 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i3-8145U in some areas, while being comparable in others.

For multi-core performance, the Intel Processor N100 offers noticeably higher performance. Both processors are unsuitable for demanding gaming. The Intel Processor N100 with its newer Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) offers slight advantages for very simple games compared to the Intel UHD Graphics 620 of the Intel Core i3-8145U.

The Intel Core i3-8145U has a typical TDP of 15W. The Intel Processor N100, with only 6W TDP, is significantly more energy-efficient, ideal for fanless systems. The Intel Core i3-8145U is an older model, primarily found in used laptops. The Intel Processor N100, often built into new mini-PCs, offers a very good price-performance ratio for its efficiency.

The Intel Core i3-8145U is suitable for established mobile applications. The Intel Processor N100 stands out with energy efficiency, modern architecture, and basic performance. For new, low-power systems, the Intel Processor N100 is the better choice.