Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i7-4790, introduced in 2014, was aimed at the mainstream desktop market. Based on the Haswell S architecture and manufactured using a 22 nm process, it offers 4 cores and 8 threads.

It features 8 MB of L3 cache, supports PCIe 3.0, and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600 with 26 GB/s memory bandwidth. This processor delivers significantly higher performance than the N100 in most multi-core benchmarks and is the better choice for gaming with a dedicated graphics card. Its power consumption, however, is higher.

For demanding productivity tasks and gaming, it still offers a solid foundation today. The Intel Processor N100, released in 2023, targets energy-efficient entry-level desktops and mini-PCs.

It utilizes the modern Alder Lake N architecture and is manufactured using a 10 nm process. It features 4 efficiency cores and 4 threads, 4 MB L2 cache and 6 MB L3 cache, as well as PCIe 3.0. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs offer a memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. In some single-core benchmarks, it shows comparable or slightly higher performance than the i7-4790.

Its extremely low power consumption enables passive cooling. For economical, quiet systems for office work or media playback, it is the better choice.