MediaTek Kompanio 520 (MT8186) vs Intel Processor N100

The Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake N) and the MediaTek Kompanio 520 (MT8186) are energy-efficient entry-level processors for mini-PCs/thin clients and Chromebooks/tablets, respectively.

The Intel Processor N100 is manufactured using a 10 nm process and features four efficiency cores with Intel UHD Graphics (24 EUs), 4 MB L2 and 6 MB L3 cache, and 38 GB/s memory bandwidth. The MediaTek Kompanio 520 (MT8186) uses a 7 nm process and a big.LITTLE architecture (two Cortex-A76, six Cortex-A55) with an ARM Mali-G52 MP2 graphics processor and 15 GB/s memory bandwidth.

L2/L3 cache is missing here. In terms of performance, the Intel Processor N100 shows significantly higher single-core and, where comparable, also multi-core performance than the MediaTek Kompanio 520 (MT8186). Neither is primarily designed for gaming; the Intel offers a slight advantage in very light games.

Both are optimized for low power consumption, ideal for passively cooled systems (Intel) or long battery life (MediaTek). They offer good value for money in their respective segments. The Intel Processor N100 is recommended for basic desktop tasks due to its performance and x86 compatibility.

The MediaTek Kompanio 520 (MT8186) is the better choice for mobile Chrome OS or Android devices that benefit from high energy efficiency.