Intel Core i3-N300 vs Intel Core i3-1215U

The Intel Core i3-1215U (Alder Lake U, 10 nm manufacturing) is designed for energy-efficient mobile systems.

It features six cores (two Performance, four Efficient) and eight threads, complemented by 5 MB L2 and 10 MB L3 cache. Its TDP is typically 15 watts. The Intel Core i3-N300 (Alder Lake N, also 10 nm) targets extremely energy-efficient applications, such as in thin clients.

This processor offers eight Efficient cores and eight threads, with 8 MB L2 and 6 MB L3 cache. Its TDP is a very low 7 watts. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i3-1215U significantly outperforms the Intel Core i3-N300. The multi-core performance of the Intel Core i3-1215U is also higher in most benchmarks.

For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1215U, with its Intel Iris Xe Graphics 64 and 83 GB/s memory bandwidth, has a clear advantage over the Intel UHD Graphics 13th Gen (32 EU) of the Intel Core i3-N300 with 38 GB/s. In terms of price, the Intel Core i3-1215U can be found in more powerful entry-level systems.

The Intel Core i3-N300 is used in cheaper devices optimized for maximum efficiency. For responsive usage with better graphics performance, the Intel Core i3-1215U is the preferred choice. The Intel Core i3-N300 is ideal for use cases where extreme energy efficiency and low costs are paramount.