Intel Core i7-8650U vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Core i7-8650U, introduced in late 2017 with the Kaby Lake U Refresh architecture, was aimed at more powerful Ultrabooks and business laptops as a 14-nanometer chip with 4 cores and 8 threads.

Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 and 8 MB of Level 3 cache offered a solid basis for productive tasks at the time. In comparison, the Intel Processor N100, based on the newer 10-nanometer Alder Lake N architecture with 4 efficient cores and 4 threads (without Hyper-Threading), is a processor released in 2023 for ultra-efficient, basic systems.

It features 4 MB of Level 2 and 6 MB of Level 3 cache and Intel UHD Graphics with 24 EUs. Both CPUs offer a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. Regarding computing performance, the Intel Core i7-8650U shows noticeably higher performance in single-core applications and significantly better performance in multi-core tasks.

The Intel Processor N100 is inferior here but offers sufficient performance for its target group. For gaming, both processors are only conditionally suitable; the Intel Core i7-8650U might have a slight advantage due to its higher CPU performance but is not intended for modern games.

The greatest strength of the Intel Processor N100 lies in its energy efficiency: with a typical TDP of 6 watts, it is far superior to the Intel Core i7-8650U (typically 15 watts) and ideal for fanless designs. The Intel Core i7-8650U is now only found in used devices, while the Intel Processor N100 offers excellent value for money in new, very cost-effective systems for everyday tasks.

In summary, the Intel Core i7-8650U is recommended for scenarios requiring higher computing performance and when a suitable older device is available. The Intel Processor N100 is the better choice for energy-efficient, cost-effective new systems for basic office and media tasks.