Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core i5-14490F Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a complete sweep: the Intel Core i5-14490F wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons against the Intel Core 3 N355. The largest margin is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the i5-14490F scores 23,000 versus the N355's 5,262, a delta of -77.1% from the N355's perspective. That means the i5-14490F delivers more than four times the multi-threaded rendering throughput. The smallest gap appears in Passmark single-thread performance: 3,873 versus 2,153, a delta of -44.4%. Even in its best relative showing, the N355 trails by a wide margin.

The multi-core deficits are consistent across all Cinebench versions. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the N355 scores 822 against 2,318, a -64.5% delta. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 3,612 versus 9,660, a -62.6% delta. Cinebench R23 multi-core, as noted, is the steepest at -77.1%. Single-core gaps are slightly narrower but still decisive: Cinebench R15 single-core has the N355 at 168 versus 327 (-48.6%), R20 single-core at 509 versus 1,363 (-62.7%), and R23 single-core at 1,039 versus 3,247 (-68%). The i5-14490F's single-core advantage grows as the workload becomes more demanding, suggesting a substantial per-thread performance lead.

Passmark tests tell the same story with varying deltas. Data compression: 117,435 versus 340,026 (-65.5%). Data encryption: 8,121 versus 18,225 (-55.4%). Extended instructions: 5,968 versus 21,731 (-72.5%). Find prime numbers: 27 versus 122 (-77.9%), the second-largest gap overall. Floating point math: 22,695 versus 66,558 (-65.9%). Integer math: 33,894 versus 87,844 (-61.4%). Multithread: 10,174 versus 28,662 (-64.5%). Physics: 625 versus 2,093 (-70.1%). Random string sorting: 14,706 versus 35,608 (-58.7%). Single-thread (recorded twice as both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread): 2,153 versus 3,873 (-44.4%).

The average benchmark score tells the overall picture: the N355 sits at 13,492, while the i5-14490F reaches 38,149. That is a 2.83x difference in aggregate performance. The percentile ranking also separates them clearly: the N355 lands at the 68th percentile of all CPUs, while the i5-14490F sits at the 86th percentile. These are not adjacent performance classes; the i5-14490F belongs to a higher tier entirely.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-14490F wins every measured category, so the split is not about one chip beating the other in specific tasks. Instead, the useful distinction is the magnitude of the i5-14490F's advantage across different workload types.

For heavily multi-threaded workloads, the i5-14490F is dominant. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows the largest gap (-77.1%), and Passmark find prime numbers is nearly as severe (-77.9%). These tests stress all cores simultaneously and reward raw thread count, cache capacity, and sustained boost behavior. The i5-14490F's 10 cores and 16 threads give it a structural advantage that the N355's 8 cores and 8 threads cannot offset.

For single-threaded workloads, the i5-14490F still wins, but by a smaller margin. Passmark single-thread shows -44.4%, and Cinebench R15 single-core shows -48.6%. These are still large gaps, but they are the closest the N355 gets to competitiveness. The N355's 3.90 GHz boost clock is respectable for its class, yet the i5-14490F boosts to 5.00 GHz, and the architectural differences in instruction handling produce a clear per-core edge.

For memory-sensitive workloads like data compression and random string sorting, the i5-14490F leads by -65.5% and -58.7%, respectively. The N355's single-channel memory bus (38.4 GB/s bandwidth) is a limiting factor in these tasks, while the i5-14490F uses a dual-channel configuration. The N355 does support DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory, but only in single-channel mode, which constrains throughput in bandwidth-bound operations.

The N355's only unique advantage is its integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 770. The i5-14490F has no integrated graphics at all, listed as N/A. For a system that must run without a discrete GPU, the N355 is the only option of the two. That is a functional differentiator, not a performance win, but it matters for certain use cases.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and target different market segments. The Core 3 N355 is a mobile chip from the Twin Lake architecture, part of the Core 3 (Alder Lake-N) generation. It uses the Intel BGA 1264 socket, has a 15 W TDP, and is built on a 10 nm process node. The Core i5-14490F is a desktop chip from the Raptor Lake architecture (Raptor Lake-R), part of the Core 14th Gen series. It uses the Intel Socket 1700, has a 65 W TDP, and is also built on a 10 nm process node, but with a die size of 215 mm².

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads, with no hyper-threading. The i5-14490F has 10 cores and 16 threads, meaning 6 of its cores support hyper-threading. Clock speeds also diverge: the N355 has a 1.90 GHz base clock and a 3.90 GHz boost clock; the i5-14490F has a 2.50 GHz base clock and a 5.00 GHz boost clock. The i5-14490F's higher base clock alone is a 0.60 GHz advantage, and its boost clock is 1.10 GHz higher.

Cache configurations are fundamentally different. The N355 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of shared L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-14490F has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-14490F's L3 cache is four times larger, and its per-core L2 allocation is larger as well. These cache differences directly affect performance in repeated workloads and data-heavy operations.

Memory support also differs. The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5, but only in a single-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-14490F supports DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. The database does not list a bandwidth figure for the i5-14490F, but the dual-channel bus is a clear architectural upgrade over the N355's single-channel bus. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity is another separator. The N355 uses PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only). The i5-14490F uses PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). This gives the i5-14490F both a newer PCIe generation and more lanes for expansion, which matters for discrete GPUs and high-speed storage.

The N355 is marked as a mobile part, while the i5-14490F is a desktop part. The N355's 15 W TDP is designed for low-power and portable systems, whereas the i5-14490F's 65 W TDP targets desktop performance. Both are currently active production parts. The i5-14490F was released on 2023-12-31, while the N355 was released on 2025-01-06. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported on either.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has higher multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i5-14490F scores 23,000 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Core 3 N355 scores 5,262. The i5-14490F leads by 77.1%.

Q: Does the Core 3 N355 have any integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the N355 integrates UHD Graphics 770. The Core i5-14490F has no integrated graphics, listed as N/A.

Q: What memory configurations do the two processors support?

A: The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 in a single-channel configuration with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The i5-14490F supports DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration. Neither supports ECC memory.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: The N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads. The i5-14490F has 10 cores and 16 threads, meaning 6 of its cores support hyper-threading.

Q: What are the TDP and socket differences?

A: The N355 has a 15 W TDP and uses Intel BGA 1264. The i5-14490F has a 65 W TDP and uses Intel Socket 1700.

Q: Which chip has the higher boost clock?

A: The i5-14490F boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the N355 boosts to 3.90 GHz. The i5-14490F also has a higher base clock at 2.50 GHz versus 1.90 GHz.

The Verdict

The recorded data leaves no ambiguity: the Intel Core i5-14490F outperforms the Intel Core 3 N355 in every single benchmark in the database. The i5-14490F's 17-0 sweep includes multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests, all Passmark workloads, and the aggregate average benchmark score. The smallest win is 44.4% in Passmark single-thread, and the largest is 77.9% in Passmark find prime numbers.

The i5-14490F is the correct choice for any workload that prioritizes raw performance, whether single-threaded responsiveness or multi-threaded throughput. Its 10 cores, 16 threads, 24 MB of L3 cache, dual-channel memory, and PCIe Gen 5 support make it a substantially more capable processor across the board. The 86th percentile ranking versus the N355's 68th percentile confirms this is not a marginal difference but a clear tier gap.

The Core 3 N355 has one legitimate use case that the i5-14490F cannot serve: systems requiring integrated graphics. The N355's UHD Graphics 770 means it can operate without a discrete GPU, and its 15 W TDP suits low-power mobile designs. The i5-14490F has no integrated graphics and requires a discrete GPU for display output.

For desktop builders with a dedicated GPU, the i5-14490F is the obvious pick based on benchmark results. For ultra-mobile or low-power systems where integrated graphics and minimal heat output are mandatory, the N355 is the only viable option between these two, despite its significant performance disadvantage. The data supports both conclusions without qualification.