Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core 9 273PQE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a complete sweep for the Intel Core 9 273PQE across all 17 benchmark comparisons. The Intel Core 3 N355 does not register a single victory in any measured test. The most lopsided result appears in Cinebench R23 multicore, where the Core 9 273PQE scores 39,190 against the N355's 5,262, a delta of -86.6%. This translates to roughly 7.4 times the multicore throughput in that specific workload.

Single-thread performance also favors the Core 9 273PQE decisively. In Cinebench R23 singlecore, the Core 9 273PQE posts 5,532 versus 1,039 for the N355, a -81.2% gap. The PassMark single_thread test shows a narrower but still substantial margin: 4,573 against 2,153, a -52.9% difference. This indicates the Core 9 273PQE's higher boost clock and architecture deliver roughly double the single-core performance in that test.

The Cinebench R15 and R20 suites follow the same pattern. In R15 multicore, the Core 9 273PQE scores 3,950 versus 822, a -79.2% delta. In R15 singlecore, the scores are 557 against 168, a -69.8% gap. The R20 multicore results show 16,459 versus 3,612, a -78.1% delta, while R20 singlecore shows 2,323 versus 509, also -78.1%.

PassMark workloads reveal where the Core 9 273PQE stretches its lead the most. The extended instructions test shows 38,743 against 5,968, a -84.6% delta. The find prime numbers test shows 198 versus 27, a -86.4% gap. Floating point math shows 125,546 versus 22,695, a -81.9% delta. Integer math shows 164,629 versus 33,894, a -79.4% gap. Data compression shows 585,752 versus 117,435, a -80% delta. Data encryption shows 29,636 versus 8,121, a -72.6% gap. The smallest margin in the PassMark suite appears in random string sorting: 53,167 versus 14,706, a -72.3% delta. Multithread testing shows 46,107 versus 10,174, a -77.9% gap, while physics shows 2,754 versus 625, a -77.3% delta.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the Intel Core 9 273PQE wins in every category measured. The N355 has no recorded victory in any test, so there is no workload where the data supports choosing it based on performance alone.

The Core 9 273PQE's largest advantages appear in heavily multithreaded and compute-intensive tasks. Cinebench R23 multicore, extended instructions, and prime number finding all show deltas exceeding -84%. These workloads benefit from the Core 9 273PQE's 12 cores, 24 threads, and larger shared L3 cache. The data suggests this processor delivers roughly 7 times the multicore performance in Cinebench R23 and about 6.5 times the integer math throughput.

The Core 9 273PQE also dominates single-threaded tests, but by a smaller margin. The PassMark single_thread delta of -52.9% is the closest result in the entire dataset. Still, a 2.1 times advantage in that test is substantial and indicates noticeably snappier response in lightly threaded applications.

The N355's role in this comparison is defined by its efficiency profile, not its performance. Its 15 watt TDP, single-channel memory bus, and 38.4 GB/s bandwidth place it in a different operating envelope. For workloads that fit within that envelope, the N355 delivers usable results, but the recorded data cannot justify selecting it over the Core 9 273PQE on performance grounds.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 10 nm process node and both are manufactured by Intel, but their architectures diverge significantly. The N355 uses the Twin Lake architecture, part of the Core 3 generation based on Alder Lake-N. The Core 9 273PQE uses the Bartlett Lake architecture, part of the Core 9 generation.

Core counts differ substantially. The N355 provides 8 cores and 8 threads, meaning no hyperthreading. The Core 9 273PQE provides 12 cores and 24 threads, indicating each core supports two threads. This alone explains much of the multicore performance gap.

Cache layouts are also different. The N355 has 96 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of shared L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Core 9 273PQE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The Core 9 273PQE's per-core L2 allocation is significantly larger, and its L3 is six times the capacity of the N355's shared pool.

Memory support differs. The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 with a single-channel bus and 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 9 273PQE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 9 273PQE also adds ECC memory support, which the N355 lacks.

PCIe capabilities are markedly different. The N355 uses Gen 3 with 9 lanes from the CPU. The Core 9 273PQE uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. This represents a generational leap in both connectivity speed and lane count.

Both processors integrate the same UHD Graphics 770, so integrated graphics capability is identical on paper. The N355 targets the mobile market segment, while the Core 9 273PQE targets desktop. The N355 uses Intel BGA 1264 socket, while the Core 9 273PQE uses Intel Socket 1700.

The boost clock difference is also notable: the N355 reaches 3.90 GHz, while the Core 9 273PQE reaches 5.90 GHz. Base clocks are 1.90 GHz and 3.40 GHz respectively. The multiplier is locked on both processors.

Specification Differences

The table below shows only the fields where the two processors differ, based on the database records.

| Specification | Intel Core 3 N355 | Intel Core 9 273PQE |

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

| Cores | 8 | 12 |

| Threads | 8 | 24 |

| Base clock | 1.90 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost clock | 3.90 GHz | 5.90 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 125 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1264 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Twin Lake | Bartlett Lake |

| Codename | Twin Lake | Bartlett Lake |

| Generation | Core 3 (Alder Lake-N) | Core 9 (Bartlett Lake) |

| L1 cache | 96 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 2 MB (shared) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 6 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Single-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC memory | false | true |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 9 lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 lanes (CPU only) |

| Market segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release date | 2025-01-06 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | None recorded | $589 |

| Part number | SRPNT | SA4Q9 |

| Average benchmark score | 13,492 | 66,099 |

| Percentile vs all CPUs | 68 | 93 |

The N355 records no launch MSRP in the database. The Core 9 273PQE has a launch MSRP of $589.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads.

Q: How much faster is the Core 9 273PQE in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Core 9 273PQE scores 39,190 against the N355's 5,262, a delta of -86.6% in favor of the Core 9 273PQE.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5. The Core 9 273PQE supports DDR4 and DDR5 only, but adds ECC memory support.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The N355 has 38.4 GB/s bandwidth on a single-channel bus. The Core 9 273PQE has 89.6 GB/s bandwidth on a dual-channel bus.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Core 9 273PQE boosts to 5.90 GHz, while the N355 boosts to 3.90 GHz.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Core 9 273PQE has an average benchmark score of 66,099, placing it in the 93rd percentile. The N355 has an average score of 13,492, placing it in the 68th percentile.

The Verdict

The data presents a one-sided comparison. The Intel Core 9 273PQE wins all 17 recorded benchmarks against the Intel Core 3 N355. Its average benchmark score of 66,099 is roughly 4.9 times the N355's 13,492. The Core 9 273PQE sits in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, while the N355 sits in the 68th percentile.

Users who need maximum compute throughput should select the Core 9 273PQE. The benchmark results show it delivers overwhelming advantages in multithreaded rendering, encryption, compression, and math workloads. Its dual-channel memory and Gen 5 PCIe support also provide a wider platform for demanding applications.

The N355 serves a different purpose. Its 15 watt TDP and mobile socket suggest deployment in compact, power-constrained systems. The data shows it performs adequately in absolute terms, but it cannot compete with the Core 9 273PQE on any measured metric. For anyone building a desktop system where performance matters, the Core 9 273PQE is the clear choice from this dataset. For mobile or low-power applications, the N355 exists, but the recorded performance figures do not favor it in any direct comparison.