Intel Core i5-2300 vs Intel Processor N150 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a fascinating generational clash. The Intel Processor N150 takes two of the three recorded head-to-head wins, but the one loss is a heavy one. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the N150 posts a score of 422.5 against the Core i5-2300's 296, a decisive 42.7% advantage. This is a striking result for a processor with a 6-watt TDP against a 95-watt desktop part from 2011.

The single-core results are even more lopsided. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the N150 scores 935, while the Core i5-2300 manages just 416. That is a 124.8% delta, meaning the N150 more than doubles the older chip's single-threaded performance. The architectural improvements from Sandy Bridge to Twin Lake are starkly visible here, as the newer core design delivers massive instruction-per-clock gains.

However, the Core i5-2300 fights back in sustained multi-threaded workloads. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-2300 scores 2947 against the N150's 2590.5, a 12.1% margin. This is where the older chip's higher power envelope and dual-channel memory interface allow it to pull ahead, despite its age. The N150's four cores can win in short bursts, but the i5-2300's higher sustained throughput in this specific test shows that raw core count and memory bandwidth still matter.

Looking at the average benchmark scores, the two parts are nearly identical. The N150 records an average score of 1025, while the i5-2300 sits at 1014. Both processors land at the 28th percentile of all CPUs in the database, which places them in the same performance tier overall. The N150's nearest rivals include the AMD Phenom II X6 1075T at 1024 and the Intel Core i3-4340 at 1026, while the i5-2300 sits near the Intel Xeon W5580 at 1012 and the Intel Core i3-4160 at 1017. The delta percentages against these rivals are all within 0.5%, indicating that both chips are clustered in a very tight performance band.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split based on workload type. For users prioritizing single-threaded responsiveness and modern efficiency, the Intel Processor N150 is the better choice. Its 124.8% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core over the i5-2300 is the largest margin in the entire head-to-head set. It also wins the Cinebench R15 multi-core test by 42.7%, which suggests that in older or lighter multi-threaded workloads, the N150 is the stronger performer.

The Core i5-2300, however, retains an edge in the modern Cinebench R23 multi-core test, beating the N150 by 12.1%. This makes it the pick for users running sustained, heavily threaded applications that scale well beyond four threads, such as video encoding or 3D rendering. The i5-2300's dual-channel memory bus and higher power ceiling give it an advantage in these prolonged workloads.

The production status also matters. The N150 is listed as Active, while the i5-2300 is End-of-life. For any new system build, the N150 is the only practical option, as the i5-2300 is no longer in production. The N150 also offers a modern platform with support for DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory, whereas the i5-2300 is limited to DDR3. From a platform longevity perspective, the N150 is the safer investment.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is vast. The Intel Processor N150 is built on the Twin Lake architecture, part of the Alder Lake-N generation, using a 10 nm process node. The Intel Core i5-2300 uses the Sandy Bridge architecture on a 32 nm process node. This process shrink alone explains much of the N150's efficiency advantage, as it delivers higher performance per watt.

The N150 features 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 0.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. The i5-2300 also has 4 cores and 4 threads, but its base clock is 2.80 GHz with a boost of 3.10 GHz. While the i5-2300 has a much higher base clock, the N150's boost clock is significantly higher, which explains its single-core dominance.

Cache configurations differ notably. The N150 has 96 KB of L1 cache per core and 2 MB of shared L2 cache, while the i5-2300 has 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core. Both share 6 MB of L3 cache. The N150's larger per-core L1 and shared L2 design reflects a modern approach to cache hierarchy, while the i5-2300's per-core L2 is a hallmark of the Sandy Bridge era.

The process node difference is also reflected in the die characteristics. The i5-2300 has a transistor count of 1,160 million and a die size of 216 mm², while the N150's transistor count and die size are not listed in the database. The i5-2300's larger, older process node contributes to its 95-watt TDP, whereas the N150 sips power at just 6 watts.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specification fields. The most obvious difference is TDP: the N150 is rated at 6 watts, while the i5-2300 draws 95 watts. This is a 15.8x difference in power consumption, making the N150 dramatically more efficient for mobile or low-power applications.

Socket compatibility is another major divergence. The N150 uses Intel BGA 1264, a soldered mobile socket, while the i5-2300 uses Intel Socket 1155, a desktop socket with a removable processor. This means the N150 is intended for embedded or laptop designs, while the i5-2300 was designed for traditional desktop motherboards.

Memory support is also different. The N150 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory via a single-channel bus, with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-2300 supports only DDR3 memory, though it uses a dual-channel bus. No memory bandwidth figure is recorded for the i5-2300 in the database. The N150's support for newer memory types gives it a modern platform advantage, even if the single-channel bus limits peak bandwidth.

PCIe lanes differ as well. The N150 provides Gen 3 with 9 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-2300 provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The i5-2300 offers more PCIe lanes, which is typical for a desktop part, allowing for more expansion cards or storage devices.

Integrated graphics also differ. The N150 includes UHD Graphics 730, while the i5-2300 includes Intel HD 2000. The newer UHD Graphics 730 is expected to provide better media and display capabilities, though no specific benchmark numbers are recorded in the database. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core workloads?

A: The Intel Processor N150 is significantly faster. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 935 versus the Core i5-2300's 416, a 124.8% advantage.

Q: Does the Core i5-2300 win any benchmark?

A: Yes. The Core i5-2300 wins the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, scoring 2947 against the N150's 2590.5, a 12.1% margin.

Q: How do their overall benchmark averages compare?

A: They are nearly identical. The N150 has an average benchmark score of 1025, while the i5-2300 averages 1014. Both sit at the 28th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?

A: The Intel Processor N150 is far more efficient, with a TDP of 6 watts compared to the Core i5-2300's 95 watts.

Q: Can the Core i5-2300 be used in modern motherboards?

A: No. The i5-2300 uses the Intel Socket 1155, which is an older desktop socket. Its production status is listed as End-of-life.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The N150 supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory. The i5-2300 supports only DDR3 memory. The N150 uses a single-channel memory bus, while the i5-2300 uses dual-channel.