Intel Core 3 N355 vs Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL Comparison

The Intel Core 3 N355 and Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL are both 8-core, 15-watt processors, but they deliver sharply contrasting performance profiles. The Ultra 3 105UL wins 12 of the 17 head-to-head benchmarks, but the N355 counters with decisive victories in specific workloads. The data shows a clear split: the Ultra 3 105UL is the stronger all-around performer, especially in multi-threaded and single-threaded compute, while the N355 excels in data-handling and compression tasks.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most dramatic single result is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL scores 8742 against the N355’s 5262, a 39.8% lead. This is the largest margin in any benchmark and establishes the Ultra 3 as the clear winner for sustained multi-threaded rendering. The gap narrows considerably in Cinebench R20 multi-core (3671 vs 3612, a 1.6% edge) and nearly disappears in Cinebench R15 multi-core (881 vs 822, a 6.7% lead). This pattern suggests the Ultra 3’s advantage grows with longer or more demanding multi-threaded workloads, likely due to its higher thread count of 10 versus 8.

Single-core results are more mixed. The Ultra 3 105UL wins PassMark single-thread by a massive 36.3% (3382 vs 2153) and Cinebench R23 single-core by 15.8% (1234 vs 1039). However, the N355 strikes back in Cinebench R15 single-core with 168 vs 124, a 35.5% victory. The Ultra 3 also edges out the N355 in Cinebench R20 single-core, 518 vs 509 (1.7%). The N355’s older Cinebench R15 single-core win looks like an outlier, as the Ultra 3 dominates the more modern single-thread tests.

The N355’s strongest territory is data processing. It beats the Ultra 3 105UL in PassMark data compression by 25% (117435 vs 93961) and data encryption by 27.8% (8121 vs 6354). Random string sorting also favors the N355, with a 31.6% lead (14706 vs 11179). These three wins are substantial and consistent, indicating a specialized strength in memory-bound or algorithmic workloads. The N355 also wins PassMark extended instructions by 5.9% (5968 vs 5634).

The Ultra 3 105UL dominates the remaining math-heavy tests. It wins PassMark floating-point math by 26.2% (30750 vs 22695) and integer math by 17.7% (41171 vs 33894). Find prime numbers also goes to the Ultra 3, 44 vs 27, a 38.6% margin. The Ultra 3’s PassMark physics score of 718 beats the N355’s 625 by 13%, and its multi-thread score of 10285 narrowly edges the N355’s 10174 (1.1%). The overall benchmark average favors the N355 slightly (13492 vs 13061), but this is driven by the N355’s outsized data-compression scores.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel families and manufacturing nodes. The Intel Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake architecture, built on Intel’s 10 nm process, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL uses Meteor Lake on a 7 nm node. This node difference likely contributes to the Ultra 3’s higher boost clock of 4.20 GHz versus the N355’s 3.90 GHz, despite the N355 having a higher base clock (1.90 GHz vs 1.50 GHz).

Cache configurations diverge significantly. The N355 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of shared L2 cache, with 6 MB of shared L3. The Ultra 3 105UL has a larger 112 KB L1 per core, a much larger 2 MB L2 per core, and 10 MB of shared L3. The per-core L2 allocation is a major architectural difference, as the Ultra 3’s larger L2 likely explains its strong single-thread and math performance.

Memory support also differs. The N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 over a single-channel memory bus, delivering 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth. The Ultra 3 105UL supports DDR5 depending on motherboard, uses a dual-channel bus, and achieves 89.6 GB/s. This 2.3x bandwidth advantage is critical for the Ultra 3’s floating-point and integer math wins, while the N355’s data-compression victories suggest its memory controller handles certain access patterns more efficiently despite lower bandwidth.

PCIe capabilities differ: the N355 offers Gen 3 with 9 lanes, while the Ultra 3 105UL provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes. Integrated graphics also diverge, with the N355 featuring UHD Graphics 770 and the Ultra 3 using Arc Xe-LPG 48EU. The Ultra 3 105UL uses the LGA 1851 socket, while the N355 uses BGA 1264. The Ultra 3 is a desktop segment part, while the N355 is mobile. Both are active production parts, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL is the pick for general compute and creative workloads. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 8742 is 39.8% higher, making it the clear choice for rendering, video encoding, or any task that scales across threads. The 36.3% single-thread lead in PassMark single-thread (3382 vs 2153) and 26.2% lead in floating-point math (30750 vs 22695) further cement its position for physics simulations and scientific calculations. The 17.7% integer math advantage (41171 vs 33894) helps with general productivity and programming compilation.

The Intel Core 3 N355 wins specifically in data compression (117435 vs 93961, 25% higher) and data encryption (8121 vs 6354, 27.8% higher). Random string sorting also favors the N355 by 31.6% (14706 vs 11179). These results indicate the N355 is better suited for database workloads, file archiving, or security-related tasks that involve heavy data manipulation. Its 18.6% lead in extended instructions (5968 vs 5634) suggests an advantage in specialized instruction sets, which could benefit certain custom or legacy applications.

The N355 also holds a small edge in the overall average benchmark score (13492 vs 13061), and it does so with a lower boost clock, indicating its efficiency in specific data operations. However, the Ultra 3 105UL’s wins are more numerous and cover broader performance categories, making it the more versatile processor.

The Verdict

The data directs a clear verdict: the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL is the superior processor for most users. It wins 12 of 17 benchmarks, including all major Cinebench multi-core tests and the most impactful PassMark math tests. The 39.8% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and the 36.3% lead in PassMark single-thread are decisive. Anyone running modern rendering, simulation, or general-purpose software should choose the Ultra 3 105UL.

The Intel Core 3 N355 is the right choice only for workloads that match its specific strengths. If the primary tasks involve data compression, encryption, or string sorting, the N355’s 25-31.6% margins in these areas make it the better option. Its 5.9% lead in extended instructions also matters for niche applications. However, these wins are narrowly scoped, and the N355 falls behind in nearly every other metric. The N355’s higher overall average score (13492 vs 13061) is misleading because it is inflated by its data-compression result, which does not translate to general performance.

Both processors sit at the 68th percentile of all CPUs, and their nearest rivals show similar performance tiers. The N355 matches the Intel Core i3-12100F (0% delta), while the Ultra 3 105UL slightly trails the Intel Core i7-7700K (-1.7% delta). The Ultra 3 105UL’s dual-channel memory and larger cache make it the more future-proof choice, but the N355’s mobile socket and lower power demands could suit specific embedded or portable designs.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with 8742 vs 5262, a 39.8% lead. It also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core (881 vs 822) and Cinebench R20 multi-core (3671 vs 3612).

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

A: Yes, it wins 5 of 17 head-to-head tests. Its biggest wins are PassMark data compression (117435 vs 93961, 25% higher), data encryption (8121 vs 6354, 27.8% higher), and random string sorting (14706 vs 11179, 31.6% higher).

Q: How do their memory systems differ?

A: The N355 has a single-channel memory bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the Ultra 3 105UL has a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s. The Ultra 3 also supports only DDR5 depending on motherboard, while the N355 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5.

Q: What is the thread count difference?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has 10 threads, while the Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 threads. Both have 8 cores.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL boosts to 4.20 GHz, compared to the N355’s 3.90 GHz. However, the N355 has a higher base clock at 1.90 GHz versus 1.50 GHz.

Q: Are these processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, neither the Intel Core 3 N355 nor the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has an unlocked multiplier.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 N355 | Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL |

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

| Threads | 8 | 10 |

| Base Clock | 1.90 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1264 | Intel Socket 1851 |

| Architecture | Twin Lake | Meteor Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 112 KB (per core) |

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

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 10 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 | DDR5 (depends on motherboard) |

| Memory Bus | Single-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 9 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Arc Xe-LPG 48EU |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2025-01-06 | 2024-04-07 |

| Part Number | SRPNT | SRN9D |

| Launch MSRP | N/A | $295 |