Intel Core i5-2320 vs Intel Processor N95 Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor is newer?

A: The Intel Processor N95 was released on 2023-01-02, while the Intel Core i5-2320 was released on 2011-09-03. The N95 is the more recent part and is still listed as Active in production, whereas the i5-2320 is End-of-life.

Q: How do their overall benchmark averages compare?

A: The Intel Core i5-2320 has an average benchmark score of 1083, placing it in the 30th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Processor N95 has an average score of 1070, placing it in the 29th percentile. The i5-2320 is effectively tied with the N95 in aggregate, sitting just 1.2% higher in raw average score.

Q: Which processor wins in single-core performance?

A: The Intel Processor N95 is the clear winner in single-core tests. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the N95 scores 914 versus 444 for the i5-2320, a 51.4% advantage for the N95.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Processor N95 has a boost clock of 3.40 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-2320 boosts to 3.30 GHz. The N95 also has a much higher base clock listed at 100.00 GHz, though this appears to be an unusual datapoint for the mobile part.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both are 4-core, 4-thread processors. However, they use different architectures: the i5-2320 uses Sandy Bridge (32 nm) with 4 individual cores, while the N95 uses Gracemont (10 nm) with a different cache layout.

Q: What are the biggest benchmark deltas between the two?

A: The largest delta is in Cinebench R23 single-core, where the N95 leads by 51.4%. The second largest is in Cinebench R15 multicore, where the N95 leads by 28.8%. The only test the i5-2320 wins is Cinebench R23 multicore, where it leads by 13.6%.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-2320 is built on the Sandy Bridge architecture using a 32 nm process node, with a die size of 216 mm² and 1,160 million transistors. The Intel Processor N95 uses the Gracemont architecture on a 10 nm process node, with no transistor or die size data recorded. This represents a significant generational leap in manufacturing process, with the N95 using a much more advanced node.

The i5-2320 features a cache hierarchy of 64 KB L1 per core and 256 KB L2 per core, plus a 6 MB shared L3 cache. The N95 has a different layout: 96 KB L1 per core, 2 MB shared L2, and the same 6 MB shared L3. The larger L2 cache on the N95 is shared across cores rather than per-core, which changes how frequently accessed data is handled. The i5-2320's per-core L2 is smaller, but the shared L3 is identical at 6 MB.

Memory support differs substantially. The i5-2320 supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The N95 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, though only in a single-channel configuration, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-2320 has no memory bandwidth figure in the database. Single-channel memory on the N95 is a notable constraint, while the older dual-channel setup on the i5-2320 may provide better bandwidth in memory-sensitive workloads.

The integrated graphics also differ. The i5-2320 carries Intel HD 2000, while the N95 has UHD Graphics 710. The N95's graphics are newer and the processor is marked as a Mobile segment part with a BGA 1264 socket, whereas the i5-2320 is a Desktop part on Intel Socket 1155.

PCIe support is similar in generation but different in lane count. Both support Gen 3, but the i5-2320 offers 16 lanes (CPU only) while the N95 offers 9 lanes (CPU only). This makes the i5-2320 more suitable for discrete GPU expansion in a desktop context. The N95 is not multiplier-unlocked, nor is the i5-2320.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data shows a split verdict across three Cinebench tests. The Intel Processor N95 wins two of the three tests, while the Intel Core i5-2320 wins one.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the N95 scores 445 against 317 for the i5-2320. That is a 28.8% lead for the N95. This is a significant margin and suggests that the newer Gracemont cores handle the older R15 workload more efficiently, despite the i5-2320 having a higher TDP of 95 watts versus 15 watts for the N95.

In Cinebench R23 multicore, the tables turn. The i5-2320 scores 3146, while the N95 scores 2769. The i5-2320 leads by 13.6%. This is interesting because it shows the older Sandy Bridge part holding its own in a more modern multi-threaded test. The R23 test may be more sensitive to sustained performance, where the desktop i5-2320 with its higher power budget can maintain clocks, whereas the mobile N95 may throttle.

In Cinebench R23 single-core, the N95 dominates. It scores 914 versus 444 for the i5-2320, a 51.4% advantage. This is the largest delta in any test and highlights the massive IPC (instructions per clock) improvements in the Gracemont architecture. The single-core score is more than double that of the i5-2320, which aligns with the N95's higher boost clock of 3.40 GHz versus 3.30 GHz, though the clock difference alone cannot explain such a large gap.

The aggregate picture from the benchmark scores is that the N95 is the stronger part in single-threaded and older multi-threaded workloads, while the i5-2320 is better in the modern R23 multi-threaded test. The overall average benchmark score favors the i5-2320 slightly: 1083 versus 1070. The percentile ranking is nearly identical, with the i5-2320 at the 30th percentile and the N95 at the 29th percentile.

In terms of nearest rivals, the i5-2320 is closely matched with the Intel Core i5-3335S (0% delta), Intel Pentium Gold G6505T (0.1% delta), Intel Core i3-6320 (-0.2% delta), and AMD A12-9800 (0.2% delta). The N95's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-2820QM (0.1% delta), AMD Opteron 3380 (-0.1% delta), AMD Athlon X4 880K (-0.1% delta), and Intel Core i5-5287U (-0.2% delta). These rival lists show that both processors occupy a similar performance tier, despite their architectural differences.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every specification category except for core count, thread count, L3 cache size, and ECC support (both lack ECC).

The process node is 32 nm for the i5-2320 and 10 nm for the N95. The i5-2320 has a die size of 216 mm² and 1,160 million transistors; the N95 has no die size or transistor count recorded. The base clock is 3.00 GHz for the i5-2320 and 100.00 GHz for the N95. The boost clock is 3.30 GHz for the i5-2320 and 3.40 GHz for the N95. TDP is 95 watts for the i5-2320 and 15 watts for the N95.

The socket is Intel Socket 1155 for the i5-2320 and Intel BGA 1264 for the N95. The architecture is Sandy Bridge for the i5-2320 and Gracemont for the N95. The generation is Core i5 (Sandy Bridge) for the i5-2320 and Intel Processor (Alder Lake-N) for the N95.

Cache layout differs: the i5-2320 has 64 KB L1 per core and 256 KB L2 per core, while the N95 has 96 KB L1 per core and 2 MB shared L2. Both have 6 MB shared L3. Memory support is DDR3 for the i5-2320 and DDR4, DDR5 for the N95. The memory bus is dual-channel for the i5-2320 and single-channel for the N95. The N95 has a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the i5-2320 has none.

PCIe lanes are 16 for the i5-2320 and 9 for the N95, both Gen 3. Integrated graphics are Intel HD 2000 for the i5-2320 and UHD Graphics 710 for the N95. The market segment is Desktop for the i5-2320 and Mobile for the N95. Production status is End-of-life for the i5-2320 and Active for the N95. The release date is 2011-09-03 for the i5-2320 and 2023-01-02 for the N95. Neither processor has a launch MSRP recorded in the database.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split depending on workload. The Intel Processor N95 is the better choice for single-threaded performance, delivering a 51.4% higher score in Cinebench R23 single-core. It also wins in Cinebench R15 multicore by 28.8%. The N95 is a modern, active processor on a 10 nm node with a 15 watt TDP, making it far more power-efficient on paper.

However, the Intel Core i5-2320 wins the most modern multi-threaded test, Cinebench R23 multicore, by 13.6%. It also has a slightly higher average benchmark score (1083 versus 1070) and a marginally better percentile ranking (30th versus 29th). For users running heavily threaded modern workloads, the i5-2320 shows surprising staying power despite being over a decade older.

The N95's single-channel memory support and lower PCIe lane count (9 versus 16) are notable limitations. The i5-2320's dual-channel memory and 16 PCIe lanes make it more suitable for traditional desktop expansion. The N95 is a mobile part, soldered to a BGA 1264 socket, while the i5-2320 is a socketed desktop part.

The benchmark wins are 2 for the N95 and 1 for the i5-2320. The aggregate scores are nearly identical, with the i5-2320 ahead by just 1.2%. Neither processor is a dominant overall winner; the choice depends on whether the user prioritizes single-core efficiency and power savings (N95) or modern multi-threaded performance and desktop expandability (i5-2320).

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Processor N95 wins in scenarios that favor single-threaded responsiveness and efficiency. Its 51.4% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core means it is better suited for everyday tasks, web browsing, office applications, and any software that relies on a single fast core. The N95 also wins in Cinebench R15 multicore, indicating strong performance in older multi-threaded applications that are less demanding. Its 15 watt TDP and active production status make it the sensible choice for mobile devices, mini PCs, and embedded systems where power draw and heat are primary concerns. The N95's modern 10 nm process and shared 2 MB L2 cache also give it an edge in energy-sensitive workloads.

The Intel Core i5-2320 wins in modern multi-threaded scenarios. Its 13.6% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore suggests it can sustain higher performance in current-generation rendering or encoding tasks that stress all cores equally. The i5-2320 also benefits from dual-channel memory support, which is absent on the N95, and 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes versus 9 on the N95. This makes it the better option for a desktop build with a discrete graphics card or additional expansion cards. The i5-2320's higher TDP of 95 watts indicates it is designed for sustained load in a desktop chassis with adequate cooling. Its slightly higher average benchmark score and 30th percentile ranking also mean that in aggregate, it edges out the N95 in overall throughput.

For users who need a drop-in replacement for an old LGA 1155 system, the i5-2320 is the only one of the two that fits that socket. For users building a new, low-power system, the N95 is the only one that is currently in production. The data does not support a single universal winner; it supports a workload-dependent split.