Intel Core i5-10210U vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i5-10210U (Comet Lake U, 2019, 14 nm) is a processor for energy-efficient laptops. It offers 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB L3 cache, and Intel UHD Graphics (Comet Lake) with 47 GB/s memory throughput.

The Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake N, 2023, 10 nm) is designed for energy-efficient, cost-effective devices.

It features 4 efficiency cores without Hyper-Threading, 4 MB L2 cache, 6 MB L3 cache, and Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) with 38 GB/s memory throughput. In multi-core applications, the Intel Core i5-10210U significantly outperforms the N100 thanks to its 8 threads. The i5-10210U also leads in single-core performance.

Gaming is only possible for simple titles with both CPUs; the N100's newer iGPU offers hardly any advantages. The Intel Core i5-10210U has a TDP of 15 watts. The N100, with only 6 watts, is extremely energy-efficient and ideal for fanless systems. In terms of price, the i5-10210U is found in older laptops, while the N100 is in new, budget-friendly devices offering good value for basic tasks.

Recommendation: For productivity and multitasking, the Intel Core i5-10210U is better. For maximum energy efficiency and basic everyday tasks, the Intel Processor N100 is the optimal choice.