Intel Core i5-4670 vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i5-4670, launched in the second quarter of 2013, is a desktop processor designed for the mainstream market.

Its target audience was users who needed solid performance for everyday computing tasks and productivity. It is based on the Haswell S architecture and was manufactured using a 22 nm process. This processor features 4 cores and 4 threads and offers 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. It supports PCIe Version 3.0, and its maximum memory bandwidth is 26 GB/s.

The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 4600. The Intel Processor N100, introduced in the first quarter of 2023, is a more modern processor specifically developed for energy-efficient, compact systems and basic applications.

It targets users looking for devices for web browsing, office work, and media playback, where low power consumption and quiet operation are priorities. The N100 is based on the Alder Lake N architecture and is manufactured using a more advanced 10 nm process. It also has 4 cores and 4 threads, features 4 MB of Level 2 Cache and 6 MB of Level 3 Cache.

Its maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s and it supports PCIe Version 3.0. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake). In terms of performance, both processors show comparable results in single-core benchmarks like Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 6. The Intel Processor N100 achieves good performance in newer benchmarks like Cinebench 2024.

For multi-core tasks, the Intel Core i5-4670 offers a noticeable performance advantage in certain scenarios, such as the Cinebench R23 multi-core benchmark. However, in other multi-core tests, such as Geekbench 6, the performance of both processors is comparable. For gaming scenarios, both processors are only conditionally suitable, as they were not designed for demanding games.

The newer architecture and the Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) of the Intel Processor N100, combined with its higher memory bandwidth, offer improved performance for very simple or older titles compared to the Intel HD Graphics 4600 of the Intel Core i5-4670. Nevertheless, neither should be expected to provide fluid playback of current games, even at low settings.

A key difference lies in power consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP). The Intel Core i5-4670 has a typical TDP of 84W, which requires higher energy consumption and corresponding cooling solutions. In contrast, the Intel Processor N100 has a significantly lower TDP of only 6W.

This makes it ideal for fanless or very quiet systems and contributes significantly to the energy efficiency of modern mini-PCs. Regarding value for money and current market prices, the Intel Core i5-4670, as an older model, is primarily found on the used market and is accordingly inexpensive.

However, it is no longer a new purchase and is only relevant for replacement in existing, older systems. The Intel Processor N100 is a current product, often integrated directly onto motherboards or into complete systems. Its value for money is excellent for its application area (energy-efficient, basic systems), as it offers modern features at low operating costs.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-4670 offers established performance for older desktop systems and may have an advantage in certain multi-core tasks. The Intel Processor N100, on the other hand, impresses with its modern architecture, extremely low power consumption, and improved integrated graphics solution, making it the ideal choice for energy-efficient, compact, and quiet systems for basic tasks.