Intel Core i5-3550 vs Intel Processor N150

The Intel Core i5-3550, introduced in the second quarter of 2012, targeted mainstream desktop systems.

It is based on the 22 nm Ivy Bridge S architecture with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6 MB Level 3 Cache, and 26 GB/s maximum memory bandwidth. It supports PCIe 3.0 and integrates the Intel HD Graphics 2500. The Intel Processor N150, released in the first quarter of 2023, is designed for energy-efficient entry-level devices.

Manufactured using the 7 nm Twin Lake process, it offers 5 efficiency cores, 5 threads, 4 MB Level 2 Cache, 6 MB Level 3 Cache, and 38 GB/s maximum memory bandwidth. Its integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake). In terms of computing performance, the Intel Processor N150 shows a clear superiority.

Its more modern architecture enables noticeably higher single-core and multi-core performance in benchmarks compared to the Intel Core i5-3550. For gaming, the N150's Intel UHD Graphics offers an architecturally more advanced solution for lighter games than the Intel HD Graphics 2500 of the Intel Core i5-3550.

Demanding gaming requires dedicated graphics cards for both, with the Intel Core i5-3550 providing PCIe 3.0. A significant difference lies in power consumption: The Intel Processor N150 has an extremely low Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 6.5W, ideal for fanless systems.

The Intel Core i5-3550 has a TDP of 77W. In terms of price, the Intel Core i5-3550 can today only be found cheaply on the used market. The Intel Processor N150 is sold as part of modern, economical entry-level systems. The Intel Processor N150 is recommended for modern, quiet, and energy-efficient basic systems.

The Intel Core i5-3550 is an option for extremely cost-effective, older setups where power consumption is secondary.