Intel Core i7-3520M vs Intel Processor N150

The Intel Core i7-3520M, introduced in the first quarter of 2012, was designed for powerful laptops and mobile workstations of its time.

Manufactured using the 22 nm process under the Ivy Bridge H architecture, it features 2 cores and 4 threads with Hyper-Threading. Its Level 3 cache is 4 MB. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 and a maximum memory bandwidth of 21 GB/s offered a solid foundation back then. From today's perspective, its single-core and multi-core performance in Geekbench 6 is lower compared to modern processors.

The higher power consumption is a result of its older manufacturing technology. This processor is no longer available on the new market. The Intel Processor N150, released in the first quarter of 2023, targets entry-level laptops, educational devices, and energy-efficient systems.

It is manufactured using the modern 7 nm process and is based on the Twin Lake architecture. This processor offers 4 cores and 4 threads, but without Hyper-Threading, and features 4 MB of Level 2 and 6 MB of Level 3 cache. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics with 24 EUs (Alder Lake) and a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s enable improved graphics performance.

The single-core and multi-core performance in Geekbench 6 is significantly higher than the comparison model, as is its performance in Cinebench 2024. Its lower power consumption is advantageous for mobile devices. In a direct performance comparison, the Intel Processor N150 shows clearly superior single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Intel Core i7-3520M.

The N150's more modern manufacturing process and architecture lead to significantly higher efficiency and computing power. Both processors are not primarily designed for gaming scenarios, as they rely on integrated graphics units. The Intel Core i7-3520M with Intel HD Graphics 4000 can render older or very undemanding titles at low settings.

The Intel Processor N150 with Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) offers improved performance for casual games and eSports titles at adjusted settings, thanks to its newer graphics unit and higher memory bandwidth. Regarding power consumption, the Intel Processor N150 is significantly more energy-efficient than the 22 nm manufactured Intel Core i7-3520M, due to its advanced 7 nm manufacturing process.

This directly translates into longer battery life for mobile devices and the possibility of passive cooling systems. From today's perspective, the price-performance ratio for the Intel Core i7-3520M is low, as it is only relevant in used devices as an outdated component. The Intel Processor N150, however, offers a good price-performance ratio in its segment of entry-level devices, as it provides modern features and efficiency at an attractive system price.

In summary, the Intel Core i7-3520M is still usable for basic tasks in existing devices, but it is underpowered and inefficient by today's standards. The Intel Processor N150 is the recommended choice for new devices that require energy-efficient and modern basic computing power for everyday tasks, office applications, and light media consumption.