Intel Core 3 N350 vs Intel Core i9-14901KE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 3 N350 and Intel Core i9-14901KE occupy completely different positions in the performance spectrum, and the recorded data reflects that divide clearly. The Core 3 N350 has a complete set of benchmark results across multiple Cinebench and Passmark tests, while the Core i9-14901KE has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. This absence of data for the i9 means direct score comparisons are impossible, but the architectural specifications and the N350's percentile ranking provide the context needed for analysis.

The Core 3 N350 sits at the 66th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 9903. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-3770 with an average score of 9706, placing the N350 2 percent ahead. The Intel Core i5-1035G1 averages 9684, with the N350 leading by 2.3 percent. Above it, the AMD EPYC 7F52 averages 10159, which is 2.5 percent higher than the N350, and the Intel Xeon Platinum 8280 averages 10230, 3.2 percent higher. These deltas are modest, indicating the N350 competes in a narrow performance band despite its low power envelope.

In Cinebench R15, the N350 records a multicore score of 632 and a single-core score of 89. The gap between these two values reveals that the N350's eight cores scale reasonably for workloads that use all threads, but single-thread performance remains limited. Cinebench R20 shows a multicore score of 2635 and a single-core score of 371. The ratio between multicore and single-core scores in R20 is roughly seven to one, which is consistent with an eight-core processor that cannot fully double its single-thread performance due to shared resources. Cinebench R23 produces a multicore score of 6274 and a single-core score of 885. The multicore advantage over single-core is approximately sevenfold, again confirming that the N350 delivers strong scaling across its cores but each core operates at a modest level.

Passmark tests further characterize the N350. The multi-thread score is 7382, while the single-thread score is 1974. Integer math reaches 27669, floating-point math reaches 17781, and extended instructions score 3981. Data compression scores 80444, while data encryption scores 5693. Random string sorting reaches 10102. Physics scores 446, and find prime numbers scores 20. These figures illustrate a processor that handles integer and floating-point workloads with reasonable competence for its class, but the prime number test result of 20 indicates significant limits in certain algorithmic patterns.

The Core i9-14901KE has no benchmark entries, no average score, and no nearest rivals listed. Its percentile ranking of 50 versus the N350's 66 means that, based on the database's ranking system, the N350 actually holds a higher position relative to all CPUs. However, this percentile is derived from available data, and the i9's lack of recorded scores means its percentile likely reflects incomplete information rather than measured performance. The database shows zero wins for each processor in head-to-head tests, since no direct comparison benchmarks exist.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share Intel as their manufacturer and both use a 10 nm process node, but nearly every other architectural element diverges. The Core 3 N350 uses the Twin Lake architecture, part of the Core 3 generation under the Alder Lake-N family. Its codename is Twin Lake. The Core i9-14901KE uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-R, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series under the Raptor Lake Refresh generation.

Both processors have eight cores, but the thread counts differ sharply. The N350 has eight threads, meaning each core handles one thread with no simultaneous multithreading. The i9-14901KE has 16 threads, so each core processes two threads concurrently. This doubles the logical processing capacity of the i9 and represents a fundamental architectural advantage for heavily threaded workloads.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The N350 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of shared L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-14901KE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. While the i9 has smaller per-core L1, its per-core L2 allocation is significantly larger, and its L3 cache is six times the size of the N350's. The die size for the i9 is 257 mm², while the N350 has no recorded die size.

Clock speeds show a massive gap. The N350 has a base clock of 0.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The i9-14901KE has a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.80 GHz. The i9's base clock is 38 times higher than the N350's base clock, and its boost clock is nearly 1.5 times higher. This difference directly influences single-thread performance potential, though the N350's low base clock likely reflects aggressive power management rather than a fixed operating point.

Power consumption follows the architectural divide. The N350 has a TDP of 7 watts, while the i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 watts. The i9 consumes nearly 18 times the power budget of the N350, which aligns with its higher clocks, larger cache, and dual-thread capabilities. The N350 targets mobile applications with minimal power draw, while the i9 targets desktop workloads where power availability is not a constraint.

Memory support also differs. The N350 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory, with a single-channel memory bus and a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i9-14901KE supports DDR4 and DDR5, uses a dual-channel memory bus, and has no recorded memory bandwidth figure. The i9's dual-channel configuration provides greater memory throughput potential, while the N350's inclusion of LPDDR5 reflects its mobile focus. ECC memory support exists on the i9 but not on the N350.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation and lane count. The N350 provides PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes from the CPU. The i9-14901KE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The i9's PCIe Gen 5 support offers substantially higher bandwidth for connected devices, and its 16 lanes provide more headroom for expansion. Both processors integrate the same UHD Graphics 770, providing identical integrated graphics capability.

The N350 uses the Intel BGA 1264 socket, while the i9-14901KE uses Intel Socket 1700. The N350 is classified as a mobile market segment part, while the i9 is a desktop part. Both are listed as active production parts. The N350 has a multiplier that is locked, while the i9 has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking on compatible platforms. The N350's part number is SRPNS, and the i9's part number is Q49DSRNJC.

Release timing also separates them. The N350 was released on 2025-01-06, while the i9-14901KE was released on 2024-06-30. The i9 arrived roughly six months earlier. Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads, and what does that mean for multitasking?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901KE has 16 threads across its 8 cores, while the Intel Core 3 N350 has 8 threads across its 8 cores. The i9's thread count allows it to process two threads per core simultaneously, which provides greater logical capacity for workloads that can utilize concurrent execution.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare between the two processors?

A: The Core 3 N350 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of shared L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core i9-14901KE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9's L3 cache is six times larger, and its per-core L2 allocation provides more dedicated cache for each core.

Q: What is the TDP difference, and what does it indicate about their intended use?

A: The Core 3 N350 has a TDP of 7 watts, while the Core i9-14901KE has a TDP of 125 watts. The N350's low power draw suits mobile and fanless designs, while the i9's higher power budget supports sustained high clocks in desktop systems with adequate cooling.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Both support DDR4 and DDR5. The Core 3 N350 additionally supports LPDDR5, which is common in mobile platforms. The Core i9-14901KE does not list LPDDR5 support. The N350 uses a single-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the i9 uses a dual-channel bus with no recorded bandwidth figure.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core i9-14901KE has a boost clock of 5.80 GHz, compared to the Core 3 N350's boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The i9 also has a base clock of 3.80 GHz, while the N350 has a base clock of 0.10 GHz.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. The Core i9-14901KE has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking on compatible motherboards. The Core 3 N350 has a locked multiplier, so its clock speeds cannot be adjusted beyond factory settings.

Specification Differences

The following specification fields differ between the Intel Core 3 N350 and the Intel Core i9-14901KE:

• Threads: 8 (N350) versus 16 (i9-14901KE)
• Base Clock: 0.10 GHz (N350) versus 3.80 GHz (i9-14901KE)
• Boost Clock: 3.90 GHz (N350) versus 5.80 GHz (i9-14901KE)
• TDP: 7 watts (N350) versus 125 watts (i9-14901KE)
• Socket: Intel BGA 1264 (N350) versus Intel Socket 1700 (i9-14901KE)
• Architecture: Twin Lake (N350) versus Raptor Lake (i9-14901KE)
• Codename: Twin Lake (N350) versus Raptor Lake-R (i9-14901KE)
• Generation: Core 3 (Alder Lake-N) (N350) versus Core i9 (Raptor Lake Refresh) (i9-14901KE)
• Series: null (N350) versus Core 14th Gen (i9-14901KE)
• Die Size: null (N350) versus 257 mm² (i9-14901KE)
• L1 Cache: 96 KB per core (N350) versus 80 KB per core (i9-14901KE)
• L2 Cache: 2 MB shared (N350) versus 2 MB per core (i9-14901KE)
• L3 Cache: 6 MB shared (N350) versus 36 MB shared (i9-14901KE)
• Memory Support: DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 (N350) versus DDR4, DDR5 (i9-14901KE)
• Memory Bus: Single-channel (N350) versus Dual-channel (i9-14901KE)
• Memory Bandwidth: 38.4 GB/s (N350) versus null (i9-14901KE)
• ECC Memory: false (N350) versus true (i9-14901KE)
• PCIe: Gen 3, 9 Lanes (N350) versus Gen 5, 16 Lanes (i9-14901KE)
• Market Segment: Mobile (N350) versus Desktop (i9-14901KE)
• Release Date: 2025-01-06 (N350) versus 2024-06-30 (i9-14901KE)
• Multiplier Unlocked: false (N350) versus true (i9-14901KE)
• Part Number: SRPNS (N350) versus Q49DSRNJC (i9-14901KE)
• Percentile vs All CPUs: 66 (N350) versus 50 (i9-14901KE)
• Average Benchmark Score: 9903 (N350) versus 0 (i9-14901KE)

Fields that remain identical include manufacturer (Intel), cores (8), process node (10 nm), foundry (Intel), integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), and production status (Active).

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 3 N350 demonstrates its strengths in scenarios defined by efficiency and portability. Its 7 watt TDP makes it suitable for passively cooled mobile devices where power draw is the primary constraint. The N350's support for LPDDR5 memory aligns with thin-and-light laptops that prioritize battery life over raw throughput. The benchmark data records a 66th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average score of 9903, and its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-3770 and Intel Core i5-1035G1, both of which it leads by 2 percent or more. For workloads such as data compression, the N350 scores 80444, and integer math reaches 27669, indicating competent performance for everyday computing tasks, document processing, and moderate content consumption. Its single-thread score of 1974 in Passmark suggests adequate responsiveness for typical applications, and the Cinebench R23 multicore score of 6274 shows that it can handle parallel workloads within its power envelope.

The Intel Core i9-14901KE holds advantages in every specification that favors high-performance desktop computing. Its 16 threads double the N350's logical thread count, and its base clock of 3.80 GHz and boost clock of 5.80 GHz provide substantially higher per-core execution rates. The 36 MB of shared L3 cache and 2 MB of L2 cache per core give it a significant memory hierarchy advantage for data-intensive workloads. The dual-channel memory bus, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and ECC memory support position it for workstation-class tasks that require large data sets, high-bandwidth I/O, and error-correcting memory. The unlocked multiplier allows performance tuning for users who require maximum clocks. Its desktop market segment classification and 125 watt TDP indicate it is designed for systems with robust cooling and ample power delivery, where sustained all-core loads are expected.

The database contains no benchmark scores for the i9-14901KE, so direct performance measurements cannot be cited. However, the architectural specifications alone establish that the i9 targets workloads such as video encoding, 3D rendering, software compilation, and scientific computation that scale with thread count, cache size, and clock speed. The N350, by contrast, wins in power efficiency, memory flexibility with LPDDR5 support, and its recorded benchmark presence in the database. For mobile devices requiring long battery life and minimal heat, the N350 is the appropriate choice. For desktop systems demanding maximum processing capability, the i9-14901KE provides the necessary architectural foundation, even without recorded benchmark confirmation. The two processors serve separate market segments with minimal overlap, and their respective strengths align with their intended deployment scenarios.