CPU Comparison

The Intel Processor N100 and Intel Core i5-10210Y are two mobile processors that, despite a nearly identical average benchmark score, exhibit fundamentally different performance characteristics. The N100, built on a newer 10 nm process with Gracemont efficiency cores, posts an average score of 1007, while the i5-10210Y, a 14 nm Comet Lake part, scores 1006. This 0.1% difference in aggregate performance masks a stark divergence in workload-specific results, with the N100 dominating single-threaded tasks and the i5-10210Y taking a clear lead in multi-threaded rendering. Both chips sit at the 27th percentile among all CPUs, indicating their position as entry-level mobile parts, but the data shows they achieve this status through opposite means.

FAQ

Q: How do the two processors compare in overall average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Processor N100 has an average benchmark score of 1007, while the Intel Core i5-10210Y scores 1006. The deltaPct between the two is a mere 0.1%, placing them in a statistical tie for overall performance.

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core Cinebench R23 tests?

A: The Intel Processor N100 wins decisively with a score of 910.5, which is 85.4% higher than the i5-10210Y's score of 491.

Q: In which benchmark does the i5-10210Y outperform the N100?

A: The i5-10210Y wins in the Cinebench R23 multicore test, scoring 3479 compared to the N100's 2559.5, a 26.4% advantage for the i5-10210Y.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: Both processors feature 4 physical cores. The Intel Processor N100 has 4 threads total, while the Intel Core i5-10210Y has 8 threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: No. Both the Intel Processor N100 and the Intel Core i5-10210Y have ECC memory support listed as false in the specifications.

Q: What is the production status of both chips?

A: Both the Intel Processor N100 and the Intel Core i5-10210Y are listed as "Active" in production, meaning they are currently available in the market.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two chips is substantial, stemming from different design philosophies and manufacturing processes. The Intel Processor N100 utilizes the Gracemont architecture, built on a 10 nm process node, and is part of the Alder Lake-N generation. This design prioritizes power efficiency, evidenced by its 6-watt TDP. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-10210Y is based on the older Comet Lake architecture, fabricated on a 14 nm process, and carries a higher 9-watt TDP. The N100 is a member of the "Intel Processor" family, while the i5-10210Y belongs to the Core 10th Gen series.

Cache hierarchies also differ notably. The N100 allocates 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of shared L2 cache. The i5-10210Y has a smaller 64 KB L1 per core but a larger 256 KB L2 per core. Both processors share 6 MB of L3 cache, though the N100's is designated as shared while the i5-10210Y's is also 6 MB shared. The integrated graphics solutions differ as well, with the N100 featuring UHD Graphics 730 and the i5-10210Y sporting a generic UHD Graphics.

Memory support presents another clear divergence. The N100 supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a single-channel bus and a specified memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-10210Y is limited to DDR3 memory, with no memory bus or bandwidth specifications provided in the data. The N100 also includes PCIe Gen 3 support with 9 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-10210Y has no PCIe information listed. These architectural choices position the N100 as a modern, efficient part and the i5-10210Y as a legacy design with higher power draw and older memory standards.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The direct comparison data reveals a clear split between single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Intel Processor N100 scores 401.5 against the i5-10210Y's 350, resulting in a 14.7% win for the N100. This advantage expands dramatically in single-core tests. In Cinebench R15 singlecore, the N100 posts 147.9, a 190% increase over the i5-10210Y's 51. This massive gap indicates a fundamental difference in per-core efficiency, likely due to the N100's newer Gracemont architecture and 10 nm process.

The Cinebench R23 results tell a more complex story. In the multicore test, the i5-10210Y reverses the trend, scoring 3479 against the N100's 2559.5. This 26.4% advantage for the i5-10210Y is attributable to its 8 threads versus the N100's 4, allowing it to leverage simultaneous multithreading in heavily parallel workloads. However, in Cinebench R23 singlecore, the N100 reasserts dominance with a score of 910.5, which is 85.4% higher than the i5-10210Y's 491.

The benchmark data shows a clear pattern: the N100 wins 3 out of 4 head-to-head comparisons, excelling in all single-threaded tests and the older R15 multicore test. The i5-10210Y manages a single win in the R23 multicore test, but its margin of victory there is smaller than the N100's margins in the single-core tests. The single-thread scores are particularly telling, with the N100's advantage ranging from 85.4% to 190%, suggesting that the i5-10210Y's 4.00 GHz boost clock does not translate to superior per-core performance compared to the N100's 3.40 GHz boost.

Specification Differences

Comparing the specification sheets directly highlights the key differences between the two processors. The Intel Processor N100 has a base clock of 100.00 MHz, while the Intel Core i5-10210Y has a base clock of 1000.00 MHz. However, the boost clocks tell a different story, with the N100 reaching 3.40 GHz and the i5-10210Y boosting to 4.00 GHz. The N100's TDP is 6 watts, compared to the i5-10210Y's 9 watts, indicating the N100's greater efficiency.

The socket types differ, with the N100 using Intel BGA 1264 and the i5-10210Y using Intel BGA 1440. Process nodes also diverge, with the N100 at 10 nm and the i5-10210Y at 14 nm. Cache configurations show the N100 with 96 KB L1 per core and 2 MB shared L2, while the i5-10210Y has 64 KB L1 per core and 256 KB L2 per core. Both share 6 MB L3. Memory support is a significant differentiator, with the N100 supporting DDR4 and DDR5 in a single-channel configuration with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the i5-10210Y only supports DDR3 with no bandwidth specified.

The N100 includes PCIe Gen 3 with 9 lanes, while the i5-10210Y has no PCIe data. The integrated graphics differ, with UHD Graphics 730 on the N100 versus standard UHD Graphics on the i5-10210Y. The thread counts are a key spec difference: 4 threads on the N100 versus 8 threads on the i5-10210Y. The N100 has a launch MSRP of $128 and a part number of SRMDM, while the i5-10210Y has no launch MSRP or part number listed. The release dates also differ significantly, with the N100 released in January 2023 and the i5-10210Y in August 2019.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Processor N100 is the clear winner in single-threaded performance across all tested benchmarks. Its 190% advantage in Cinebench R15 singlecore and 85.4% advantage in Cinebench R23 singlecore make it the superior choice for applications that rely on per-core speed, such as everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and light office workloads. The N100 also wins in Cinebench R15 multicore, suggesting that for older software or less parallelized multi-threaded tasks, it offers better performance. Its lower 6-watt TDP and support for modern DDR4/DDR5 memory make it a more efficient platform for basic mobile computing.

The Intel Core i5-10210Y wins specifically in the Cinebench R23 multicore test, where its 8 threads provide a significant advantage in heavily threaded workloads. This makes it the better option for modern multi-threaded rendering tasks, video encoding, and other applications that can effectively utilize more than 4 threads. The i5-10210Y's higher 4.00 GHz boost clock also suggests potential for burst performance in certain scenarios, though the benchmark data does not show this translating to single-thread wins. Its 9-watt TDP is higher than the N100's, but the additional threads provide a clear benefit in parallel processing.

The data shows a distinct performance split: the N100 excels in tasks that are latency-sensitive and single-threaded, while the i5-10210Y dominates in throughput-oriented, heavily parallel workloads. The N100's wins are more numerous (3 out of 4 benchmarks) and its margins are larger in percentage terms, but the i5-10210Y's single win is in the most modern and demanding multicore test.

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents a clear choice based on workload requirements. For users prioritizing single-threaded performance, the Intel Processor N100 is the definitive choice. Its 85.4% lead in Cinebench R23 singlecore and 190% lead in Cinebench R15 singlecore are overwhelming margins, indicating that for general desktop responsiveness, application launches, and lightly-threaded tasks, the N100 will feel significantly faster. Its lower 6-watt TDP and modern memory support also make it a more efficient and future-proof platform for basic computing needs.

For users whose primary workloads are heavily multi-threaded, the Intel Core i5-10210Y offers a compelling argument. Its 26.4% advantage in Cinebench R23 multicore, driven by its 8 threads, makes it the better choice for rendering, video editing, and other parallel processing tasks. However, this advantage is smaller and more limited in scope than the N100's single-thread dominance. The i5-10210Y's older 14 nm process, DDR3 memory support, and higher 9-watt TDP are notable disadvantages that may impact overall system efficiency and longevity.

The verdict from the data is nuanced. The N100 wins more benchmarks and wins them by larger margins, making it the stronger overall performer for most everyday use cases. The i5-10210Y's single victory in the most demanding multicore test indicates it has a specific niche in professional or enthusiast workloads that can leverage its extra threads. Given that both processors share the same 27th percentile ranking and nearly identical average scores, the choice ultimately comes down to whether the user values the N100's superior single-thread performance and efficiency or the i5-10210Y's multi-thread throughput. For most users, the N100's broader set of wins and modern architecture make it the more balanced recommendation, with the i5-10210Y reserved for those with specific multi-threaded software needs.