CPU Comparison

The Intel Core 3 304 and Intel Core 3 N355 are both 15-watt mobile processors, but they deliver distinctly different performance profiles. The Core 3 304, built on a 3 nm process, wins 14 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks, while the Core 3 N355, on a 10 nm node, takes 3 wins. The 304’s advantage is most pronounced in single-threaded and floating-point workloads, while the N355 counters with superior integer math and memory-intensive tasks. Both chips land at the 68th percentile among all CPUs, with average benchmark scores of 13745 for the 304 and 13492 for the N355, a gap of roughly 1.9% in favor of the 304.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The single-core results are the clearest differentiator. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Core 3 304 scores 1765 against the N355’s 1039, a 69.9% advantage. The R15 single-core test shows a similar story: 264 versus 168, a 57.1% delta. PassMark single-thread results confirm the trend, with the 304 posting 3614 to the N355’s 2153, a 67.9% lead. These numbers indicate that the 304’s higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz, compared to the N355’s 3.90 GHz, translates directly into substantially faster per-thread execution.

Multi-core performance is closer, but the 304 still leads in most tests. Cinebench R20 multicore shows the 304 at 4160 versus 3612, a 15.2% margin. PassMark multithread gives the 304 a 14.3% edge (11625 vs 10174). However, Cinebench R23 multicore is a virtual tie: 5263 versus 5262, a 0% difference. This suggests that in sustained, heavily threaded render workloads, the N355’s 8 cores can nearly match the 304’s 5 cores, despite the 304’s architectural advantages.

The N355’s wins come in specific compute domains. PassMark integer math is its strongest result: 33894 versus 24640, a 27.3% advantage for the N355. Data compression also favors the N355 (117435 vs 114775, a 2.3% lead), as does random string sorting (14706 vs 13659, a 7.1% edge). These results point to the N355’s 8 cores providing a real benefit in parallel integer-heavy workloads that scale well across threads.

The 304 dominates floating-point and specialized instruction workloads. PassMark floating-point math shows a 31% lead (29722 vs 22695). Extended instructions reveal a massive 62.3% gap (9686 vs 5968). The prime number test is the single largest delta: the 304 scores 68 against the N355’s 27, a 151.9% difference. Physics simulation also favors the 304 heavily, 868 versus 625, a 38.9% margin. Data encryption is closer, with the 304 ahead by 4.7% (8501 vs 8121).

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 is dramatically faster in single-threaded tests. It leads by 57.1% in Cinebench R15 single-core, 69.9% in Cinebench R23 single-core, and 67.9% in PassMark single-thread benchmarks.

Q: Does the N355 ever outperform the 304?

A: Yes, in three specific workloads. The N355 wins PassMark integer math by 27.3%, data compression by 2.3%, and random string sorting by 7.1%. These are all parallel integer-heavy tasks that benefit from its 8 cores.

Q: How do the multi-core scores compare?

A: The 304 leads in most multi-core tests, including a 15.2% margin in Cinebench R20 and 14.3% in PassMark multithread. However, Cinebench R23 multicore is a dead heat at 5263 versus 5262, indicating parity in that specific render workload.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference?

A: The 304 has an average benchmark score of 13745, while the N355 scores 13492. This puts the 304 approximately 1.9% higher overall, despite both processors ranking at the 68th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Which chip has better memory bandwidth?

A: The 304 has a significant advantage, supporting 59.7 GB/s of memory bandwidth compared to the N355’s 38.4 GB/s. Both use single-channel memory buses, but the 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the N355 adds DDR4 support.

Q: Are there any benchmark categories where the N355 is competitive?

A: The N355 is competitive in data compression and random string sorting, where it narrowly beats the 304 by 2.3% and 7.1% respectively. It also matches the 304 in Cinebench R23 multicore, showing that its 8-core design can offset the 304’s per-core strength in some threaded workloads.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge sharply in their fundamental design. The Core 3 304 is built on a 3 nm process node at Intel’s foundry, while the N355 uses a 10 nm node. This process advantage contributes to the 304’s superior power efficiency and clock headroom, with a boost clock of 4.30 GHz versus the N355’s 3.90 GHz.

Core counts differ significantly. The 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, whereas the N355 offers 8 cores and 8 threads. Neither chip supports simultaneous multithreading, so threads equal cores for both. The N355’s additional cores help it in integer-heavy parallel workloads, but the 304’s newer architecture delivers higher per-core performance.

Cache hierarchies are also distinct. The 304 provides 192 KB of L1 cache and 2.5 MB of L2 cache, while the N355 lists 96 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of shared L2. Both have 6 MB of shared L3 cache, which appears to be a common denominator for these mobile parts.

Memory support differs in both type and bandwidth. The 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus delivering 59.7 GB/s. The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5, also single-channel, but with a lower 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The 304’s memory subsystem is a clear architectural advantage for bandwidth-sensitive workloads.

The integrated graphics differ, with the 304 featuring Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) and the N355 using UHD Graphics 770. PCIe capabilities also vary: the 304 offers Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the N355 provides Gen 3 with 9 CPU lanes. The 304’s newer PCIe standard offers higher per-lane bandwidth, though the N355 has more total lanes.

Sockets and codenames confirm the generation gap. The 304 uses Intel BGA 1516 and is codenamed Wildcat Lake, belonging to the Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) generation. The N355 uses Intel BGA 1264 and is codenamed Twin Lake, with a generation listing of Core 3 (Alder Lake-N). The release dates reflect this: the 304 launched on April 15, 2026, while the N355 came earlier on January 6, 2025.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear choice for most workloads: the Intel Core 3 304 is the superior processor. Its single-core leadership is decisive, with advantages ranging from 57.1% to 69.9% across Cinebench and PassMark single-thread tests. It also dominates floating-point math (31% lead), extended instructions (62.3% lead), and physics simulation (38.9% lead). For users running productivity applications, development tools, or any software that relies on strong per-thread performance, the 304 is the better option.

The N355’s case rests on three niche wins and its 8-core design. It leads in integer math by 27.3%, which could benefit certain compilation tasks or data processing workloads. Its wins in data compression and random string sorting are modest (2.3% and 7.1% respectively) and unlikely to outweigh the 304’s broad advantages. The N355’s average score is only 1.9% lower, but that aggregate figure masks the uneven distribution of its performance.

For buyers who prioritize raw integer throughput in parallel workloads, the N355 has a legitimate appeal. Its 8 cores provide tangible benefits in those specific scenarios, and its Cinebench R23 multicore parity with the 304 shows it can hold its own in render workloads. However, for general-purpose computing, the 304’s combination of higher boost clock, newer 3 nm process, and superior memory bandwidth (59.7 GB/s vs 38.4 GB/s) makes it the more versatile and future-proof choice.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 304 | Intel Core 3 N355 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 5 | 8 |

| Threads | 5 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 1.50 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel BGA 1264 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Twin Lake |

| Process Node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB | 2 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 9 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Release Date | April 15, 2026 | January 6, 2025 |

| Part Number | SAE3K | SRPNT |

| Launch MSRP | $309 | null |