Intel Processor N100 vs Intel Core i5-4200U

The Intel Core i5-4200U, introduced at the end of 2013 (Haswell U), was manufactured in a 22 nm process for energy-efficient notebooks.

It has 2 cores, 4 threads, 3 MB Level 3 cache, and Intel HD Graphics 4400 with 26 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Intel Processor N100, introduced in 2023 (Alder Lake N), was developed in a 10 nm process for efficient entry-level devices.

It has 4 efficient cores, 4 threads, 4 MB Level 2 and 6 MB Level 3 cache. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics (24 EUs) benefits from 38 GB/s memory bandwidth. The Intel Processor N100 outperforms the Intel Core i5-4200U in single-core and multi-core performance thanks to its modern architecture and finer manufacturing process.

The newer Intel UHD Graphics of the N100 also offers a marginal advantage in graphics performance for very light applications. Gaming is only very limited with both. The energy efficiency of the Intel Processor N100 with only 6 Watt TDP is far superior to the Intel Core i5-4200U (15 Watt TDP).

While the Intel Core i5-4200U represents an outdated product, the Intel Processor N100 offers excellent value for money for current, energy-conscious applications. In summary, the Intel Processor N100 is clearly the better choice for modern office, web, and media tasks. The Intel Core i5-4200U is only relevant in legacy systems.