CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-4330
Processor N150
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core i3-4330 vs Intel Processor N150
Intel Processor N150 and Intel Core i3-4330 represent two very different eras of Intel design, yet their benchmark scores place them in a statistical dead heat overall. The N150, a 2024 mobile processor, and the i3-4330, a 2013 desktop part, both hold a 28th percentile ranking among all CPUs. The aggregate data shows a negligible gap: the N150 averages 1025 points, while the i3-4330 averages 1020 points, a difference of less than 0.5%. The head-to-head results, however, reveal a more complex story, with each processor dominating different workloads.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The most decisive victory in the head-to-head suite belongs to the Intel Processor N150 in Cinebench R23 single-core testing. The N150 scores 935 points, which is 123.7% higher than the i3-4330’s 418 points. This is more than double the performance of the older chip in a single-threaded workload, proof of the massive IPC improvements Intel has made over the decade separating these parts. The N150’s 3.60 GHz boost clock, combined with its modern Twin Lake architecture, delivers a level of per-core performance that the Haswell-based i3 simply cannot approach.
The N150 also secures a clear win in the Cinebench R15 multi-core test, scoring 422.5 points against the i3-4330’s 298 points. This represents a 41.8% advantage for the N150. While the i3-4330 has a higher base clock (3.50 GHz) and a dual-channel memory bus, the N150’s four physical cores and higher peak clock speed help it take the lead in this legacy benchmark. The data indicates that despite the i3-4330’s desktop pedigree, the newer N150’s architecture is more efficient at extracting performance in this workload.
The Intel Core i3-4330, however, secures its only head-to-head victory in the Cinebench R23 multi-core test. The i3-4330 scores 2966 points, defeating the N150’s 2590.5 points by a margin of 12.7%. This result flips the R15 multi-core outcome, suggesting that the i3-4330 scales better with the sustained, heavily threaded load of R23. The i3-4330’s dual-channel memory interface and higher 54W TDP likely allow it to maintain consistent performance over longer durations, whereas the N150’s 6W TDP may cause it to throttle or otherwise limit its throughput to stay within its power envelope.
With two wins for the N150 and one for the i3-4330, the head-to-head record is split. The N150 dominates single-threaded performance and wins in the older multi-core test, while the i3-4330 takes the newer multi-core test. The average benchmark score data, showing the N150 at 1025 and the i3-4330 at 1020, confirms that neither chip has a decisive overall advantage. The N150’s closest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U and Intel Core i3-4340, with deltas of 0.1% and -0.1% respectively. The i3-4330’s closest rival is the Intel Pentium Gold G5600, which trails by 0.2%.
Architecture Differences
The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial, starting with their manufacturing processes. The Intel Processor N150 is built on a 10 nm node, while the Intel Core i3-4330 uses a 22 nm process. This generational leap in fabrication is a primary driver behind the N150’s superior energy efficiency, reflected in its 6W TDP compared to the i3-4330’s 54W TDP.
The core configurations differ significantly. The N150 features 4 cores and 4 threads, while the i3-4330 has 2 cores and 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. The N150’s extra physical cores give it an advantage in raw multi-threading, while the i3-4330 relies on its higher base clock and dual-channel memory to compete. The N150’s cache hierarchy is also distinct: it offers 96 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of shared L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The i3-4330 counters with 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3. The N150’s larger shared L3 cache provides more capacity for frequently accessed data.
Memory support is another major differentiator. The N150 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory over a single-channel bus, with a peak bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i3-4330 exclusively supports DDR3 memory over a dual-channel bus, with no listed bandwidth figure. While dual-channel memory generally offers higher throughput, the N150’s support for faster modern memory standards may offset this in many scenarios.
The platform and socket also underline their different market segments. The N150 is a Mobile segment processor using the Intel BGA 1264 socket, designed for soldered, low-power systems. The i3-4330 is a Desktop segment processor using the Intel Socket 1150, a traditional replaceable CPU socket. The N150’s integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 730, while the i3-4330 ships with Intel HD 4600. The N150 also supports PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only), whereas the i3-4330 supports PCIe Gen 3 without a specific lane count listed.
The transistor counts and die sizes further illustrate the gap. The i3-4330 contains 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. No such data is listed for the N150. The i3-4330’s larger, denser die was a product of its era, but the N150’s modern architecture achieves comparable or better results with significantly less power. The release dates, with the i3-4330 launching on 2013-08-31 and the N150 on 2024-11-19, show an 11-year gap in engineering. The N150’s generation is listed as Intel Processor (Alder Lake-N), while the i3-4330 is Core i3 (Haswell).
FAQ
Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?
A: The Intel Processor N150 is significantly faster. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the N150 scores 935 points, which is 123.7% higher than the Intel Core i3-4330’s 418 points.
Q: Does the older Intel Core i3-4330 have any performance advantages?
A: Yes, it wins in the Cinebench R23 multi-core test. The i3-4330 scores 2966 points, defeating the N150’s 2590.5 points by 12.7%.
Q: How do their overall benchmark scores compare?
A: The aggregate scores are nearly identical. The Intel Processor N150 has an average benchmark score of 1025, while the Intel Core i3-4330 has an average of 1020. Both processors rank in the 28th percentile of all CPUs.
Q: What are the key differences in memory support?
A: The N150 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory on a single-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The i3-4330 supports only DDR3 memory on a dual-channel bus, with no bandwidth figure listed.
Q: How do their power requirements differ?
A: The Intel Processor N150 has a 6W TDP, while the Intel Core i3-4330 has a 54W TDP. The N150 is far more energy-efficient, which aligns with its mobile market segment.
Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. Both the N150 and the i3-4330 are locked parts.
Specification Differences
| Specification | Intel Processor N150 | Intel Core i3-4330 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base Clock | 0.10 GHz | 3.50 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 3.60 GHz | None |
| TDP | 6 W | 54 W |
| Socket | Intel BGA 1264 | Intel Socket 1150 |
| Architecture | Twin Lake | Haswell |
| Generation | Intel Processor (Alder Lake-N) | Core i3 (Haswell) |
| Process Node | 10 nm | 22 nm |
| Transistors | Not listed | 1,400 million |
| Die Size | Not listed | 177 mm² |
| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (shared) | 256 KB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 4 MB (shared) |
| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR5 | DDR3 |
| Memory Bus | Single-channel | Dual-channel |
| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | Not listed |
| PCIe | Gen 3, 9 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |
| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | Intel HD 4600 |
| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |
| Production Status | Active | Not listed |
| Release Date | 2024-11-19 | 2013-08-31 |
| Part Number | SRPNR | SR1NM |
The Verdict
The benchmark data presents a clear choice based on workload priorities. For users prioritizing single-threaded performance, the Intel Processor N150 is the unequivocal pick. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 935 dwarfs the i3-4330’s 418 points, a 123.7% advantage that makes it far more responsive for everyday tasks, lightly threaded applications, and legacy software that relies on high per-core speed. The N150 also wins in Cinebench R15 multi-core, and its dramatically lower 6W TDP makes it an ideal candidate for fanless or ultra-portable designs where power efficiency is paramount. Its support for modern DDR4/DDR5/LPDDR5 memory further future-proofs a system built around it.
Conversely, the Intel Core i3-4330 is the better option for sustained, heavily threaded workloads that resemble the Cinebench R23 multi-core test. In that specific benchmark, the i3-4330 outperforms the N150 by 12.7%, scoring 2966 to 2590.5. This suggests that for tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, or other multi-threaded batch processing, the older chip’s dual-channel memory and higher sustained power draw deliver tangible benefits. The i3-4330’s desktop socket also offers upgradeability and serviceability, whereas the N150 is soldered to the board.
The aggregate data, showing a 28th percentile rank for both and a 0.5% difference in average benchmark scores, indicates that neither processor is objectively superior across all metrics. The N150 wins on architectural modernity, energy efficiency, and single-core speed. The i3-4330 wins on multi-core throughput in the latest Cinebench version and offers a traditional desktop platform. The choice hinges on whether the use case favors the N150’s efficiency and agility or the i3-4330’s raw sustained multi-core grunt. For a new, low-power mobile system, the N150 is the data-backed choice. For an existing or new desktop build focused on multi-core rendering, the i3-4330’s R23 result is the stronger indicator.