Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core 5 223PQE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the Intel Core 3 N355 and the Intel Core 5 223PQE. The Core 3 N355 has a full suite of recorded scores, while the Core 5 223PQE has no benchmark entries at all. This absence of comparative data means the analysis must rely on architectural specifications and the Core 3 N355's standalone performance profile.

For the Intel Core 3 N355, the recorded Cinebench scores show a clear multi-core advantage over single-core performance. The R23 multi-core score of 5262 dwarfs the R23 single-core score of 1039, a 5.1x ratio. Similarly, R20 multi-core reaches 3612 versus 509 single-core, and R15 multi-core hits 822 versus 168 single-core. These ratios indicate the 8 cores and 8 threads are being utilized effectively in multi-threaded workloads.

The PassMark suite for the Core 3 N355 reveals specific strengths. Data compression scores 117435, while data encryption reaches 8121. Floating point math records 22695, integer math hits 33894, and extended instructions score 5968. Random string sorting reaches 14706, and find prime numbers scores 27. The multithread score of 10174 versus single-thread score of 2153 shows a 4.7x scaling factor, consistent with 8 threads across 8 cores.

The Core 5 223PQE has zero recorded benchmarks in the database. Its average benchmark score reads as 0, and its percentile versus all CPUs is 50, which places it at the median position by default rather than by measured performance. The Core 3 N355, by contrast, sits at the 68th percentile with an average benchmark score of 13492.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 3 N355 wins outright in any measured performance category, simply because it has recorded data and the Core 5 223PQE does not. The N355's nearest rivals in the database provide context for its standing. The Intel Core i3-12100F scores 13494 on average, essentially identical to the N355's 13492 with a 0% delta. The Intel Core i5-9500 scores 13452, putting the N355 0.3% ahead. The Intel Core 5 120UL scores 13594, meaning the N355 trails by 0.8%. The Intel Core i7-1250U scores 13351, with the N355 ahead by 1.1%.

These rival comparisons show the N355 performs in the same tier as a quad-core desktop chip (i3-12100F) and a six-core older desktop chip (i5-9500). It also matches closely with a 10-core hybrid mobile chip (Core 5 120UL) and a 10-core mobile chip (i7-1250U). The N355's 8 cores and 8 threads, running at 1.90 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost, deliver competitive scores despite a 15 W TDP.

The Core 5 223PQE, with 8 cores and 16 threads, has a clear architectural advantage on paper. Its 4.00 GHz base clock and 5.50 GHz boost clock suggest substantially higher single-thread throughput than the N355's 3.90 GHz maximum. The 125 W TDP allows sustained high-frequency operation, and the dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth versus the N355's single-channel 38.4 GB/s points to faster memory-bound workloads. The 24 MB shared L3 cache versus 6 MB shared on the N355 further suggests an advantage in cache-sensitive applications.

The N355 wins on power efficiency. At 15 W TDP, it uses a fraction of the 125 W TDP of the Core 5 223PQE. The N355 also supports LPDDR5 memory in addition to DDR4 and DDR5, while the 223PQE supports only DDR4 and DDR5. The N355 uses Intel BGA 1264 socket, indicating a soldered mobile design, whereas the 223PQE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop socket.

The Verdict

The benchmark data cannot declare an overall winner because one competitor has no recorded scores. The Core 3 N355 has a complete performance profile, and the Core 5 223PQE has none. What the data does show is that the N355 performs at a level comparable to established desktop CPUs like the Core i3-12100F and Core i5-9500, with deltas of 0% and 0.3% respectively. The N355 also trades within 1.1% of the Core i7-1250U and trails the Core 5 120UL by 0.8%.

The Core 5 223PQE's specifications indicate it should outperform the N355 in most workloads. Its 16 threads versus 8, higher clocks, larger caches, dual-channel memory, and Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes all point to superior performance. The N355 uses Gen 3 PCIe with 9 lanes. ECC memory support exists on the 223PQE but not on the N355.

The N355's release date of 2025-01-06 places it earlier than the 223PQE's 2026-03-08. The 223PQE carries a launch MSRP of $319. Both are active production parts. Both use 10 nm process nodes from Intel. Both integrate UHD Graphics 770.

For users who need a low-power mobile processor with measured performance in the range of mid-tier desktop chips from previous generations, the N355 has proven results. For users who need a high-TDP desktop processor with 16 threads, ECC support, and modern PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, the 223PQE offers those features, but its actual performance remains unmeasured in the database.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core 3 N355 have more benchmark scores than the Intel Core 5 223PQE?

A: Yes. The N355 has 17 recorded benchmark scores across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and PassMark tests. The 223PQE has zero recorded benchmark scores.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 3 N355 has an average benchmark score of 13492. The Intel Core 5 223PQE has an average benchmark score of 0 because no benchmarks are recorded.

Q: How does the Intel Core 3 N355 compare to its nearest rival, the Intel Core i3-12100F?

A: The N355 scores 13492 on average, and the Core i3-12100F scores 13494, a delta of 0%. They are effectively identical in average benchmark performance.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core 5 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 223PQE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 N355 does not.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Intel Core 3 N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5. The Intel Core 5 223PQE supports DDR4 and DDR5.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake architecture, codenamed Twin Lake, and belongs to the Core 3 generation listed as Alder Lake-N. The Intel Core 5 223PQE uses the Bartlett Lake architecture, codenamed Bartlett Lake, and belongs to the Core 5 generation listed as Bartlett Lake. Both are built on a 10 nm process node by Intel.

The N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The 223PQE has 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The N355 has a TDP of 15 W, while the 223PQE has a TDP of 125 W.

Cache layouts differ substantially. The N355 provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of shared L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The 223PQE provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The L2 cache difference is notable: 2 MB total on the N355 versus 2 MB per core on the 223PQE.

Memory architecture diverges as well. The N355 uses a single-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth and supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5. The 223PQE uses a dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and supports DDR4 and DDR5. The 223PQE adds ECC memory support, which the N355 lacks.

PCIe connectivity differs significantly. The N355 provides Gen 3 PCIe with 9 lanes. The 223PQE provides Gen 5 PCIe with 16 lanes. Both integrate UHD Graphics 770.

Socket and market segment separate the two clearly. The N355 uses Intel BGA 1264 and targets the mobile segment. The 223PQE uses Intel Socket 1700 and targets the desktop segment. The N355's part number is SRPNT, released on 2025-01-06. The 223PQE's part number is SA4QC, released on 2026-03-08 with a launch MSRP of $319.

Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The N355 has a percentile rank of 68 against all CPUs, while the 223PQE has a percentile rank of 50. The N355's nearest rivals include the Core i3-12100F, Core i5-9500, Core 5 120UL, and Core i7-1250U, with average scores and deltas as described in the benchmark sections above. The 223PQE has no nearest rivals listed in the database.