Intel Core i5-7260U vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i5-7260U (Kaby Lake U) was developed for energy-efficient notebooks. Manufactured using the 14 nm process, it offers 2 cores, 4 threads, and 3 MB of L3 cache.

Its Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 achieves 34 GB/s memory throughput. The Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake N) is a newer processor for mini-PCs and educational systems, known for extremely low power consumption.

Manufactured using the 10 nm process, it has 4 Gracemont cores, 4 threads, 4 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of L3 cache. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) offers 38 GB/s memory throughput. Performance-wise, the Intel Processor N100 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-7260U in single-core performance in Cinebench R23 and is slightly superior in Geekbench 6.

The multi-core performance of the Intel Processor N100 is also significantly higher in Geekbench 6, due to a more modern architecture and more cores. Neither processor is optimized for gaming. The Intel Processor N100 could offer an advantage in very simple titles thanks to its newer graphics unit and marginally better memory bandwidth.

The Intel Core i5-7260U has a typical TDP of 15 watts. The Intel Processor N100, with only 6 watts TDP, is considerably more energy-efficient. The Intel Core i5-7260U is an older processor for used devices. The Intel Processor N100 offers good value for money in new, budget-friendly systems.

For new purchases focusing on energy efficiency and improved performance for basic tasks, the Intel Processor N100 is the better choice. The Intel Core i5-7260U remains sufficient for light office work in existing systems.