Intel Core i5-3210M vs Intel Processor N150

The Intel Core i5-3210M, introduced in the second quarter of 2012, was a mainstream mobile processor of the Ivy Bridge H architecture, manufactured in 22 nm.

It featured 2 cores, 4 threads, and Intel HD Graphics 4000. With 3 MB of L3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s, it delivered solid performance for standard tasks of its time. The Intel Processor N150, released in the first quarter of 2023, is tailored for energy-efficient entry-level mobile and embedded systems.

It is manufactured using a modern 7 nm process and utilizes the Twin Lake architecture with 1 core and 1 thread. Its features include Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake), 4 MB L2 and 6 MB L3 cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. In a direct comparison, the Intel Processor N150 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-3210M in both single-core and multi-core performance, which is attributable to its more modern architecture and manufacturing process.

The N150's integrated graphics unit also offers significantly better performance for simple gaming scenarios. With a TDP of 6.5W, the N150 is also considerably more energy-efficient than the Intel Core i5-3210M (35W), making it ideal for fanless or low-power devices. While the Core i5-3210M is now only relevant in legacy devices, the N150, as a new device, offers a superior price-performance ratio for modern, everyday applications and is the clearly recommended choice for new, energy-efficient systems.