Intel Core i5-8259U vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i5-8259U, based on the Coffee Lake U architecture and manufactured in the 14 nm process, was introduced around 2018 for mainstream notebooks and compact systems.

It offers 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB Level 3 Cache, and the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, which provides good graphics performance for its generation. The Intel Processor N100, manufactured with the newer Alder Lake N architecture and in the 10 nm process, is designed for energy-efficient mini-PCs.

It features 4 cores, 4 threads, 4 MB Level 2 Cache, 6 MB Level 3 Cache, and the Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) for basic tasks. In CPU performance, the Intel Core i5-8259U significantly outperforms the Intel Processor N100 in multi-core applications (over 30 percent).

The i5-8259U is also more powerful in many single-core scenarios. For light gaming, the Iris Plus Graphics 655 of the i5-8259U offers better performance, though neither is suitable for demanding games. The Intel Processor N100 is characterized by extremely low power consumption, ideal for fanless systems.

The i5-8259U has a moderate TDP. The maximum memory bandwidth for both is 38 GB/s. The Intel Core i5-8259U is the choice for users with higher performance needs; the N100 offers excellent energy efficiency for basic applications in cost-effective devices.