Intel Core i7-8500Y vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i7-8500Y (Amber Lake Y, 2018) was developed for extremely power-efficient and fanless devices such as ultra-thin notebooks.

The Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake N, 2023), on the other hand, targets entry-level desktops, mini-PCs, and educational devices.

The i7-8500Y is manufactured using a 14nm process, features 2 cores and 4 threads, 4 MB of Level 3 cache, and integrates the Intel UHD Graphics 615. The N100 uses a more advanced 10nm process, offers 4 cores and 4 threads, 4 MB of Level 2 and 6 MB of Level 3 cache, as well as an Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake).

In terms of computing performance, the Intel Processor N100 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-8500Y in multi-core tasks and shows significantly higher performance in some single-core tests, while being comparable in others. Both are unsuitable for demanding games, but the N100's newer graphics unit (38 GB/s memory bandwidth) offers marginally better performance for very simple or older games than that of the i7-8500Y (30 GB/s memory bandwidth).

Both CPUs are characterized by high energy efficiency and low TDP, which enables their use in passively cooled systems and mobile devices. However, the Intel Processor N100 offers significantly better value for money for current systems and represents the superior choice for modern, light desktop tasks.

The Intel Core i7-8500Y is still suitable for basic applications in existing ultra-compact devices.