Intel Core i5-7300U vs Intel Processor N150

The Intel Core i5-7300U (Kaby Lake U) is a mobile processor from 2017 for general productivity. The Intel Processor N150 (Twin Lake) is a newer, energy-efficient chip for entry-level systems.

The Intel Core i5-7300U is manufactured using a 14 nm process and offers 2 cores, 4 threads, 3 MB L3 cache, and 34 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Intel Processor N150 uses a 7 nm process with 4 cores, 4 threads, 4 MB L2 and 6 MB L3 cache, plus 38 GB/s memory bandwidth.

The Intel Processor N150's more advanced manufacturing and architecture are evident in its performance: it surpasses the Intel Core i5-7300U in single-core performance by over 10 percent and in multi-core performance by more than 30 percent. Neither is suitable for demanding gaming. The Intel Core i5-7300U integrates the Intel HD Graphics 620, while the Intel Processor N150 integrates the newer Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) for slight improvements in simple games.

In terms of power consumption, the Intel Processor N150 with 6.5 Watts TDP is significantly more efficient than the Intel Core i5-7300U with 15 Watts. In terms of price, the Intel Core i5-7300U, as an older chip, is primarily found in used systems. The newer Intel Processor N150 is available in current, inexpensive devices.

Thanks to better performance and efficiency, the Intel Processor N150 offers a more compelling price-performance ratio. For new purchases focusing on efficiency and basic performance, the Intel Processor N150 is clearly the better choice.