Intel Core i5-8265U vs Intel Core i3-N305

The Intel Core i5-8265U (Whiskey Lake U) was introduced at the end of 2018 and targeted the mainstream mobile device market.

Manufactured using the 14 nm process, it offered a classic core configuration. Its internal graphics are the Intel UHD Graphics 620. The maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s with a 6 MB L3 cache and a 0 MB L2 cache. The Intel Core i3-N305 (Alder Lake N) is a newer processor from early 2023, designed for energy efficiency in entry-level devices.

It is manufactured using the more advanced 10 nm process and utilizes an architecture exclusively with efficient E-cores. The integrated graphics are the Intel UHD Graphics 13th Gen (32 EU). Here too, the maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s, complemented by 8 MB L2 and 6 MB L3 cache. When comparing computing performance, the Intel Core i3-N305 shows significantly higher single-core performance in Cinebench R23 and significantly better multi-core performance in Geekbench 6.

Single-core performance in Geekbench 6 is comparable for both processors. The newer Intel UHD Graphics 13th Gen of the Intel Core i3-N305 offers better graphics performance for light multimedia applications, as neither CPU is designed for demanding games. Both processors are designed for low power consumption in the mobile sector; specific TDP values are not available.

The Intel Core i5-8265U is more commonly found in used systems, while the Intel Core i3-N305 is built into newer entry-level devices. For modern everyday tasks and efficiency, the Intel Core i3-N305 is the superior choice.