Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core 5 213PE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive and consistent advantage for the Intel Core 5 213PE across every single recorded test. Out of 17 head-to-head comparisons, the Intel Core 5 213PE wins all 17, while the Intel Core 3 N355 records zero wins. The margins are substantial in every category, ranging from roughly 47% to over 76% depending on the workload.

The largest single advantage appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Intel Core 5 213PE scores 22468 versus 5262 for the Intel Core 3 N355, a delta of -76.6%. This indicates the Core 5 213PE delivers nearly four times the multi-threaded rendering performance. A similar pattern emerges in PassMark's find prime numbers test, where the Core 5 213PE scores 114 against 27, also a -76.3% delta. These two tests highlight workloads that are highly sensitive to raw compute throughput and sustained execution.

Single-core performance also favors the Intel Core 5 213PE, though by a slightly smaller margin. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Core 5 213PE scores 3172 versus 1039, a -67.2% delta. PassMark single-thread shows 4060 against 2153, a -47% delta. The gap narrows in single-threaded tasks compared to multi-threaded ones, but the Core 5 213PE still leads by a wide margin.

The memory-sensitive workloads follow the same trend. PassMark data compression scores 298804 for the Core 5 213PE versus 117435 for the Core 3 N355, a -60.7% delta. Data encryption shows 15916 versus 8121, a -49% delta. Random string sorting, another memory-heavy test, records 32027 versus 14706, a -54.1% delta. These results align with the difference in memory bus configuration, as the Core 5 213PE uses dual-channel memory while the Core 3 N355 is single-channel.

Integer and floating-point math also heavily favor the Core 5 213PE. PassMark integer math scores 92089 versus 33894, a -63.2% delta. Floating-point math scores 68587 versus 22695, a -66.9% delta. Extended instructions, which test SIMD and specialized instruction sets, show 19565 versus 5968, a -69.5% delta. The Core 5 213PE leads by roughly two-thirds in these compute-bound tests.

Physics simulation in PassMark shows 1624 versus 625, a -61.5% delta, matching the multi-thread delta exactly. The multithread score itself is 26434 versus 10174, also -61.5%. The consistency of these two deltas suggests the physics test is strongly correlated with overall multi-threaded throughput.

The smallest margin in the entire dataset is the single-thread PassMark test at -47%, followed by data encryption at -49%. Even in these relatively closer comparisons, the Core 5 213PE still outperforms by nearly half. The overall average benchmark score reflects this dominance: the Core 5 213PE averages 35428, while the Core 3 N355 averages 13492. The Core 5 213PE sits in the 85th percentile of all CPUs in the database, whereas the Core 3 N355 sits in the 68th percentile.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the Intel Core 5 213PE in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE scores 22468, while the Intel Core 3 N355 scores 5262. This translates to a -76.6% delta, meaning the Core 5 213PE delivers roughly four times the multi-core rendering performance.

Q: Which processor has better single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE leads in every single-core test. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 3172 versus 1039, a -67.2% delta. PassMark single-thread shows 4060 versus 2153, a -47% delta.

Q: Does the Intel Core 3 N355 win any benchmark?

A: No. Across all 17 head-to-head benchmarks, the Intel Core 3 N355 records zero wins. The Intel Core 5 213PE wins all 17 tests.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth between the two?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE supports dual-channel memory with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The Intel Core 3 N355 supports single-channel memory with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Core 5 213PE offers exactly double the memory bandwidth.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 N355 does not support ECC memory.

Q: How do the two processors compare in PassMark integer math?

A: The Intel Core 5 213PE scores 92089, while the Intel Core 3 N355 scores 33894. This is a -63.2% delta, favoring the Core 5 213PE by nearly two-thirds.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different architectural lineages. The Intel Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake architecture, codenamed Twin Lake, and belongs to the Core 3 (Alder Lake-N) generation. The Intel Core 5 213PE uses the Bartlett Lake architecture, codenamed Bartlett Lake, and belongs to the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation. Both are built on a 10 nm process node at Intel's foundry, but the underlying designs differ substantially.

Core and thread counts diverge significantly. The Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads, meaning no hyper-threading support. The Intel Core 5 213PE also has 8 cores but 16 threads, indicating simultaneous multi-threading is enabled. This doubling of threads directly contributes to the multi-core performance gap observed in the benchmarks.

Cache hierarchy differs in both capacity and distribution. The Intel Core 3 N355 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of shared L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core 5 213PE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 5 213PE therefore has a much larger total L2 pool (16 MB versus 2 MB) and four times the L3 capacity.

Memory architecture is another key differentiator. The Intel Core 3 N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory, but uses a single-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel Core 5 213PE supports DDR4 and DDR5, uses a dual-channel bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth, and also supports ECC memory. The Core 3 N355 does not support ECC.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The Intel Core 3 N355 provides PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 5 213PE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This represents a significant upgrade in both generation and lane count for the Core 5 213PE.

Integrated graphics differ between the two. The Intel Core 3 N355 includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Intel Core 5 213PE includes UHD Graphics 730. The Core 3 N355 carries the higher-tier integrated GPU, though this does not affect CPU benchmark scores.

Clock speeds show a notable gap. The Intel Core 3 N355 has a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The Intel Core 5 213PE has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The Core 5 213PE offers a higher base frequency by 0.80 GHz and a higher boost frequency by 1.30 GHz.

Power and platform targets differ as well. The Intel Core 3 N355 has a TDP of 15 watts and uses the Intel BGA 1264 socket, targeting the mobile segment. The Intel Core 5 213PE has a TDP of 65 watts, uses the Intel Socket 1700, and targets the desktop segment. The release dates also differ: the Core 3 N355 was released on 2025-01-06, while the Core 5 213PE was released on 2026-03-08.

The Verdict

The benchmark data provides a clear verdict: the Intel Core 5 213PE outperforms the Intel Core 3 N355 in every measured category. With 17 wins out of 17 head-to-head tests and zero wins for the Core 3 N355, the performance hierarchy is unambiguous. The Core 5 213PE holds the 85th percentile among all CPUs in the database, while the Core 3 N355 holds the 68th percentile.

The largest margins come in multi-threaded and compute-heavy workloads. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows a -76.6% delta, and PassMark find prime numbers shows a -76.3% delta. These are the strongest indicators of the Core 5 213PE's advantage in rendering, scientific computing, and any workload that scales with threads and cache. The single-thread margin is smaller but still substantial, with a -67.2% delta in Cinebench R23 single-core and -47% in PassMark single-thread.

The Core 5 213PE also benefits from a dual-channel memory bus with double the bandwidth (76.8 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s), a larger L3 cache (24 MB versus 6 MB), and per-core L2 cache (2 MB per core versus 2 MB shared). These architectural advantages directly support the benchmark results in memory-intensive tests like data compression and random string sorting.

The Intel Core 3 N355 is not without merit. It has a lower TDP of 15 watts versus 65 watts, making it suited for power-constrained mobile designs. It also includes the higher-tier UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, whereas the Core 5 213PE uses UHD Graphics 730. However, in raw CPU performance, the Core 3 N355 trails by margins that exceed 60% in most tests.

The data suggests that the Intel Core 5 213PE is the appropriate choice for desktop workloads where performance is the priority. The Intel Core 3 N355 may be suitable for mobile or low-power scenarios where the 15-watt TDP and BGA 1264 socket are required, but it cannot match the Core 5 213PE in any compute benchmark recorded in the database.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field recorded in the database.

Cores and Threads: The Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core 5 213PE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Clock Speeds: The Intel Core 3 N355 has a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The Intel Core 5 213PE has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz.

TDP: The Intel Core 3 N355 has a TDP of 15 watts. The Intel Core 5 213PE has a TDP of 65 watts.

Socket: The Intel Core 3 N355 uses Intel BGA 1264. The Intel Core 5 213PE uses Intel Socket 1700.

Architecture and Codename: The Intel Core 3 N355 uses Twin Lake architecture with the Twin Lake codename, from the Core 3 (Alder Lake-N) generation. The Intel Core 5 213PE uses Bartlett Lake architecture with the Bartlett Lake codename, from the Core 5 (Bartlett Lake) generation.

Cache: The Intel Core 3 N355 has 96 KB L1 per core, 2 MB shared L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Intel Core 5 213PE has 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB per core L2, and 24 MB shared L3.

Memory Support: The Intel Core 3 N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 with a single-channel bus and 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel Core 5 213PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth.

ECC Memory: The Intel Core 3 N355 does not support ECC. The Intel Core 5 213PE supports ECC.

PCIe: The Intel Core 3 N355 has PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 5 213PE has PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated Graphics: The Intel Core 3 N355 uses UHD Graphics 770. The Intel Core 5 213PE uses UHD Graphics 730.

Market Segment: The Intel Core 3 N355 targets Mobile. The Intel Core 5 213PE targets Desktop.

Release Date: The Intel Core 3 N355 was released on 2025-01-06. The Intel Core 5 213PE was released on 2026-03-08.

Part Number: The Intel Core 3 N355 has part number SRPNT. The Intel Core 5 213PE has part number SA4QG.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 213PE wins in every single benchmark category recorded in the database. There is no test where the Intel Core 3 N355 comes out ahead. This means the use-case split is not about performance niches; it is about platform and power constraints.

The Intel Core 5 213PE is the clear choice for desktop workloads that demand high throughput: multi-core rendering, data compression, encryption, integer and floating-point math, extended instruction workloads, physics simulation, and single-thread responsiveness. Its 16 threads, dual-channel memory, 24 MB L3 cache, and 5.20 GHz boost clock combine to deliver the top scores in all 17 head-to-head tests. The data indicates it belongs in the 85th percentile of all CPUs, comparable to the Intel Core i7-13700T and Intel Core i7-12700KF in average benchmark score.

The Intel Core 3 N355, despite losing every benchmark, still occupies a distinct position in the database. Its 15-watt TDP and BGA 1264 socket place it in the mobile segment, where power efficiency and compact form factors take precedence over raw performance. Its integrated UHD Graphics 770 is a higher tier than the Core 5 213PE's UHD Graphics 730, which could matter in systems without a discrete GPU. However, no CPU benchmark in the database shows the Core 3 N355 winning, so its advantage is limited to platform characteristics rather than compute performance.

For workloads that are sensitive to memory bandwidth, the Core 5 213PE's dual-channel 76.8 GB/s bus provides exactly double the bandwidth of the Core 3 N355's single-channel 38.4 GB/s bus. This shows up clearly in the data compression test, where the Core 5 213PE scores 298804 versus 117435, and in random string sorting, where it scores 32027 versus 14706.

For workloads that are sensitive to cache capacity, the Core 5 213PE's 24 MB shared L3 cache and 2 MB per-core L2 cache provide a substantial advantage over the Core 3 N355's 6 MB shared L3 and 2 MB shared L2. This is reflected in the extended instructions test, where the Core 5 213PE scores 19565 versus 5968.

The only scenario where the Intel Core 3 N355 might be preferred is one where the 15-watt TDP, mobile socket, and LPDDR5 memory support are mandatory requirements. In such a system, the Core 3 N355 is the only one of the two that fits the platform. But in any direct performance comparison, the data shows the Intel Core 5 213PE is the superior processor across all recorded benchmarks.