CPU Comparison

The Intel Processor N97 and Intel Pentium Gold G5500 sit at the same 32nd percentile of all CPUs, with average benchmark scores of 1132 and 1130, respectively. This near-identical overall standing, however, masks a dramatic split in workload behavior: the N97 wins two of three head-to-head tests, including a staggering 110.2% single-core margin, while the G5500 counters with an 11.3% win in one multi-core test. The data suggests these are not interchangeable parts, they are specialized tools for different jobs.

The Verdict

The Intel Processor N97 is the choice for single-threaded responsiveness and efficiency-driven tasks. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 973 crushes the G5500’s 463, a 110.2% advantage that dominates any scenario where one core carries the load, think UI interaction, light productivity, or legacy software. It also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core with 479 versus 330 (45.2% ahead), showing it can handle bursty multi-threaded work despite its modest 12W TDP.

The Intel Pentium Gold G5500 claims the opposite territory. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 3285 beats the N97’s 2913 by 11.3%, meaning sustained, heavily parallel workloads, like extended rendering or video encoding, favor the older desktop chip. The G5500 also offers dual-channel memory, ECC support, and 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, making it the more capable platform for workstation-lite builds. However, its single-core score (463) is a glaring liability, and its 54W TDP is 4.5 times higher than the N97’s 12W.

Buyers should choose the N97 for a fanless mini PC or low-power embedded system where single-core speed and power draw matter more than raw multi-core throughput. Choose the G5500 if you need a cheap desktop CPU with ECC memory, dual-channel bandwidth, and better sustained multi-core performance, but be prepared for weak single-threaded results.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different eras and design philosophies. The Intel Processor N97 uses the Gracemont architecture on a 10 nm process, built for the Alder Lake-N generation and mobile segment. It packs 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2000 MHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. The G5500, by contrast, is a Coffee Lake part on 14 nm, offering only 2 cores but 4 threads (via Hyper-Threading), with a higher base clock of 3.80 GHz and no boost capability.

Cache layouts diverge sharply. The N97 has 96 KB L1 per core, 2 MB shared L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The G5500 has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and just 4 MB shared L3. This gives the N97 a total L2 of 2 MB versus the G5500’s 512 KB (2×256 KB), a substantial difference for data reuse. The G5500’s die size is listed at 126 mm², while the N97’s is not provided.

Memory support splits the pair. The N97 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, but only in single-channel mode, with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The G5500 supports only DDR4, yet runs dual-channel, also hitting 38.4 GB/s. The G5500 uniquely supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the N97. PCIe connectivity also favors the G5500: 16 lanes of Gen 3 versus the N97’s 9 lanes.

The integrated graphics differ as well: the N97 ships with UHD Graphics 730, while the G5500 has UHD Graphics 630. Both are active products, but the G5500 is marked end-of-life with a 2018 release date; the N97 launched in January 2023. The G5500’s launch MSRP is $75. The N97 has no listed MSRP, no unlocked multiplier (neither does the G5500), and uses socket BGA 1264 versus the G5500’s Socket 1151.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data reveals three distinct outcomes. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the N97 posts 479 versus the G5500’s 330, a 45.2% victory. This is a surprising result for a 12W mobile chip against a 54W desktop part, likely reflecting the N97’s four physical cores versus the G5500’s two, and the N97’s larger cache pool. The R15 test is relatively short, so the N97’s boost clock (3.60 GHz) can sustain high performance without thermal throttling.

Cinebench R23 multi-core flips the script. The G5500 scores 3285, beating the N97’s 2913 by 11.3%. This test runs longer, exposing the N97’s power and thermal limits. The G5500’s steady 3.80 GHz clock, combined with dual-channel memory, allows it to sustain higher throughput over time. The N97’s four cores cannot overcome its lower sustained frequency and single-channel memory bottleneck in this prolonged workload.

The single-core R23 test is the most lopsided. The N97’s 973 dwarfs the G5500’s 463, a 110.2% delta. This is not a small gap, it is a generational leap. The Gracemont core’s IPC advantage over Coffee Lake is enormous, and the N97’s boost clock of 3.60 GHz is close to the G5500’s fixed 3.80 GHz, so the architecture does the heavy lifting. The G5500’s single-core performance is simply outdated.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Processor N97 averages 1132, while the Intel Pentium Gold G5500 averages 1130, a difference of 0.2%.

Q: Does the Pentium Gold G5500 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the G5500 supports ECC memory, whereas the N97 does not.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The N97 has a 12W TDP, while the G5500 has a 54W TDP, making the N97 substantially more power-efficient.

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 single-core?

A: The N97 wins decisively with 973 versus 463, a 110.2% higher score.

Q: How do memory channels differ?

A: The N97 uses single-channel memory, while the G5500 uses dual-channel. Both achieve 38.4 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the release date and status of each?

A: The N97 launched in January 2023 and is active; the G5500 launched in April 2018 and is end-of-life.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Processor N97 wins in any workload that favors single-thread speed or short, bursty multi-threaded tasks. Its 110.2% lead in R23 single-core makes it ideal for everyday applications that are poorly parallelized, web browsers, office suites, light photo editing, and system responsiveness. Its 45.2% win in R15 multi-core suggests it handles quick, multi-threaded bursts (like file compression or script execution) well. The 12W TDP also makes it the clear choice for fanless designs, laptops, and embedded systems where heat and power are constraints. The dual DDR4/DDR5 support adds flexibility for future memory upgrades.

The Intel Pentium Gold G5500 wins in sustained multi-threaded workloads. Its 11.3% lead in R23 multi-core indicates better endurance for long renders, video transcoding, or batch processing. Dual-channel memory doubles the effective memory bus width, which can matter for memory-bandwidth-sensitive tasks. ECC support is a distinct advantage for users running error-sensitive compute or file servers. The 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (versus 9 on the N97) allow more expansion cards or faster NVMe configurations. Desktop socket 1151 means easier upgrades and repairs compared to the N97’s soldered BGA 1264.

The G5500 also wins on platform maturity, it is end-of-life, but that means it is well-supported and widely documented. The N97’s mobile focus may limit its appeal for DIY desktop builders, despite its superior single-core scores.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Processor N97 | Intel Pentium Gold G5500 |

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

| Cores | 4 | 2 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2000 MHz | 3800 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.60 GHz | None |

| TDP | 12 W | 54 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1264 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Gracemont | Coffee Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | Not listed | 126 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 | DDR4 only |

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

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 9 Lanes | Gen 3, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 730 | UHD Graphics 630 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | January 2023 | April 2018 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $75 |