Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core i9-14901E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a decisive picture: the Intel Core i9-14901E wins all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the Intel Core 3 N355. The margin of victory varies by workload, but the pattern is consistent and substantial across every test category.

The largest gap appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the i9-14901E scores 25,753 against the N355's 5,262, a delta of -79.6% for the N355. This means the i9-14901E delivers roughly four times the multi-threaded rendering performance. The single-core version of the same test shows a -71.4% delta, with the i9-14901E scoring 3,635 versus 1,039 for the N355. These two results establish the fundamental performance hierarchy: the i9-14901E dominates both lightly threaded and heavily threaded workloads.

Cinebench R15 and R20 follow the same trajectory. In R15 multi-core, the i9-14901E scores 2,595 versus 822, a -68.3% delta. The R15 single-core result shows 366 versus 168, a -54.1% delta. R20 multi-core shows 10,816 versus 3,612, a -66.6% delta, and R20 single-core shows 1,526 versus 509, also a -66.6% delta. The consistency of these deltas across Cinebench versions indicates that the performance ratio is stable regardless of the rendering workload's evolution between versions.

PassMark tests reveal the same pattern with varying magnitudes. The most extreme delta appears in passmark_find_prime_numbers, where the i9-14901E scores 189 versus 27, a -85.7% delta. This test heavily favors the i9-14901E's higher clock speed and superior integer execution resources. Floating point math shows a -72% delta (81,089 versus 22,695), while integer math shows -69.9% (112,736 versus 33,894). These arithmetic workloads highlight the i9-14901E's substantial computational advantage.

Data compression shows a -59.3% delta (288,777 versus 117,435), while encryption shows -56.3% (18,571 versus 8,121). Random string sorting shows -62.4% (39,138 versus 14,706). The extended instructions test shows -65.4% (17,249 versus 5,968). The multithread PassMark score shows -66.4% (30,298 versus 10,174), and physics shows -79.4% (3,041 versus 625). Single-thread PassMark shows -50.6% (4,354 versus 2,153), the smallest relative gap in any test.

The smaller single-thread delta still represents a 2x improvement in raw single-core throughput. The i9-14901E's boost clock of 5.60 GHz versus 3.90 GHz for the N355 explains a significant portion of this advantage, though architectural differences also contribute.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different Intel families with distinct design goals. The Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake architecture, listed in the database as part of the Alder Lake-N generation, while the Core i9-14901E uses Raptor Lake, specifically the Raptor Lake-R refresh variant.

Both processors use Intel's 10 nm process node and are fabricated by Intel. The die size differs notably: the i9-14901E measures 257 mm², while the N355's die size is not recorded. This physical difference reflects the i9-14901E's larger cache hierarchy and more complex core design.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The N355 has 8 cores and 8 threads, meaning no hyperthreading. The i9-14901E also has 8 cores but 16 threads, doubling the available thread count through simultaneous multithreading. This directly explains much of the multi-core benchmark gap, as the i9-14901E can process two threads per core.

Cache organization shows fundamental differences. The N355 uses 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of shared L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The i9-14901E uses 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The per-core L2 allocation is particularly significant: the i9-14901E provides 2 MB of L2 for each core, whereas the N355 shares 2 MB across all 8 cores. The L3 difference is sixfold, 36 MB versus 6 MB.

Clock speeds favor the i9-14901E substantially. Its base clock is 2.80 GHz versus 1.90 GHz for the N355, and its boost clock reaches 5.60 GHz versus 3.90 GHz. These clock advantages compound with the architectural differences to produce the observed benchmark gaps.

Memory support differs in scope. The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5, while the i9-14901E supports DDR4 and DDR5. The memory bus configuration is a critical distinction: the N355 uses single-channel memory with a measured bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the i9-14901E uses dual-channel memory with no bandwidth figure recorded. The dual-channel configuration provides substantially more memory throughput for bandwidth-sensitive workloads.

ECC memory support also differs. The i9-14901E supports ECC memory, while the N355 does not. This positions the i9-14901E for reliability-focused desktop applications.

PCIe capabilities show a generation and lane count gap. The N355 provides Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only), while the i9-14901E provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe generation and higher lane count give the i9-14901E significantly more expansion and I/O bandwidth.

The integrated graphics are identical: UHD Graphics 770 in both processors. The socket and market segment differ: the N355 uses Intel BGA 1264 and targets mobile devices, while the i9-14901E uses Intel Socket 1700 and targets desktops. Power consumption figures reflect this split, with the N355 rated at 15 W TDP versus 65 W for the i9-14901E.

Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The launch dates differ: the N355 released on 2025-01-06, while the i9-14901E released on 2024-06-30. Both remain in active production.

The Verdict

The data indicates a clear performance hierarchy. The Intel Core i9-14901E outperforms the Intel Core 3 N355 in every recorded benchmark, with deltas ranging from -50.6% in single-thread PassMark to -85.7% in prime number finding. The average benchmark score tells the story: the i9-14901E averages 37,911 versus 13,492 for the N355, a difference of roughly 2.8x.

The percentile rankings confirm the wide gap. The i9-14901E sits at the 86th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the N355 sits at the 68th percentile. The nearest rivals for each processor show where they fit in the broader market. The N355's closest competitor is the Intel Core i3-12100F with a delta of 0%, followed by the Intel Core i5-9500 at 0.3% and the Intel Core 5 120UL at -0.8%. The i9-14901E's closest rival is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 at 0%, with the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X at -0.1%, the Intel Core 5 211E at 0.2%, and the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P132 at 0.3%.

The N355 competes at the level of older mainstream desktop processors, while the i9-14901E competes with modern high-end desktop and mobile parts. The choice between them depends on the intended use case and platform constraints. The N355's 15 W TDP and mobile socket make it suitable for compact, power-efficient systems. The i9-14901E's 65 W TDP and desktop socket target performance-oriented builds where power consumption is secondary.

For workloads that require maximum throughput, whether single-threaded responsiveness or multi-threaded rendering, the i9-14901E is the only choice based on the recorded data. The N355 offers a power-efficient alternative but cannot match the i9-14901E in any measured performance category.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E boosts to 5.60 GHz, while the Intel Core 3 N355 boosts to 3.90 GHz.

Q: Does the Intel Core 3 N355 support ECC memory?

A: No, the N355 does not support ECC memory. The Intel Core i9-14901E does support ECC memory.

Q: What is the L3 cache size difference?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has 36 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core 3 N355 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: How many threads does each processor support?

A: The Intel Core 3 N355 supports 8 threads from 8 cores, while the Intel Core i9-14901E supports 16 threads from 8 cores.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-14901E has an average benchmark score of 37,911, compared to 13,492 for the Intel Core 3 N355.

Q: Do both processors use the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core 3 N355 and the Intel Core i9-14901E use UHD Graphics 770.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-14901E wins in every single recorded benchmark category. There is no test in the database where the Intel Core 3 N355 achieves a higher score. The i9-14901E's smallest margin is in PassMark single-thread (4,354 versus 2,153, a -50.6% delta), and its largest margin is in prime number finding (189 versus 27, a -85.7% delta).

The i9-14901E is particularly strong in multi-threaded rendering workloads. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows a 25,753 score versus 5,262, representing roughly a 4.9x advantage. Physics simulation shows a similar ratio: 3,041 versus 625, a 4.9x difference. These workloads benefit from the i9-14901E's 16 threads, higher clock speeds, and much larger cache.

The i9-14901E also demonstrates strong advantages in arithmetic workloads. Floating point math shows 81,089 versus 22,695, a 3.6x difference. Integer math shows 112,736 versus 33,894, a 3.3x difference. These tests indicate the i9-14901E's wider execution resources and higher sustained clock speeds.

For single-threaded responsiveness, the i9-14901E still leads decisively. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 3,635 versus 1,039, a 3.5x advantage. PassMark single-thread shows 4,354 versus 2,153, a 2x advantage. The boost clock difference of 5.60 GHz versus 3.90 GHz directly contributes to this gap.

The N355's strengths are relative rather than absolute. Its 15 W TDP makes it suitable for power-constrained mobile platforms, and its BGA 1264 socket enables compact system designs. Its support for LPDDR5 memory provides flexibility for low-power memory configurations. These advantages appear in system design considerations, not in benchmark scores.

The i9-14901E's dual-channel memory bus, PCIe Gen 5 support with 16 lanes, and ECC memory capability make it the stronger choice for desktop systems requiring high I/O throughput and data integrity. The 36 MB L3 cache provides ample working set storage for large applications.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification category in the database.

The core count is identical at 8, but thread count differs: the N355 has 8 threads, while the i9-14901E has 16 threads. Base clocks are 1.90 GHz for the N355 versus 2.80 GHz for the i9-14901E. Boost clocks are 3.90 GHz versus 5.60 GHz.

TDP ratings differ substantially: 15 W for the N355 versus 65 W for the i9-14901E. Sockets differ: Intel BGA 1264 versus Intel Socket 1700. Architectures differ: Twin Lake versus Raptor Lake (specifically Raptor Lake-R). The N355 is listed under the Alder Lake-N generation, while the i9-14901E is listed under Raptor Lake Refresh.

Process nodes are both 10 nm from Intel, but die sizes differ: the i9-14901E measures 257 mm², while the N355's die size is not recorded.

Cache configurations differ in all levels. L1 cache is 96 KB per core for the N355 versus 80 KB per core for the i9-14901E. L2 cache is 2 MB shared for the N355 versus 2 MB per core for the i9-14901E. L3 cache is 6 MB shared versus 36 MB shared.

Memory support differs: the N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5, while the i9-14901E supports DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bus is single-channel for the N355 with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, versus dual-channel for the i9-14901E with no bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory support exists only on the i9-14901E.

PCIe capabilities differ: Gen 3 with 9 lanes for the N355 versus Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the i9-14901E. Integrated graphics are identical at UHD Graphics 770 for both.

Market segments differ: Mobile for the N355 versus Desktop for the i9-14901E. Release dates differ: 2025-01-06 for the N355 versus 2024-06-30 for the i9-14901E. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. Neither has a recorded launch MSRP.

The percentile rankings differ: 68th percentile for the N355 versus 86th percentile for the i9-14901E. Average benchmark scores differ: 13,492 versus 37,911. The part numbers also differ: SRPNT for the N355 versus Q49ESRNJH for the i9-14901E.