Intel Core 3 N355

The Intel Core 3 N355 is an 8-core, 8-thread mobile processor built on Intel's Twin Lake architecture (generation listed as Core 3, Alder Lake-N) at a 10 nm process node. It operates at a base clock of 100.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, with a 15 W TDP, making it a low-power solution for thin-and-light laptops. Its average benchmark score of 2684 places it at the 52nd percentile of all CPUs, indicating a mid-pack position that is neither a performance leader nor a laggard. The chip is currently active in production, with a release date of January 6, 2025, and is soldered to the Intel BGA 1264 socket.

Benchmark Performance

The Core 3 N355 delivers consistent multi-core performance across Cinebench versions. In Cinebench R23, it scores 9280 points in multi-core and 1310 in single-core; in R20, the scores are 3897 and 550; and in R15, 935 and 132 respectively. These numbers reflect a processor that scales well across eight cores, with the multi-core score being roughly seven times the single-core figure in R23—a typical ratio for a balanced 8-thread design.

The chip’s average benchmark score of 2684 puts it in a tight cluster with its nearest rivals. The AMD Ryzen 3 7330U scores 2685, a delta of 0%—essentially a statistical tie. The Intel Core i5-9500F trails by 0.4% at 2674, the Core i5-1335UE by 0.5% at 2670, and the Xeon E5-4650 v3 by 0.7% at 2664. These differences are negligible in real-world terms; all four processors land within a 0.7% performance band. The N355’s 52nd percentile ranking confirms that it sits near the midpoint of all tested CPUs, meaning it outperforms slightly more than half of the database’s entries.

The single-core scores are modest—1310 in R23—which is typical for a low-power mobile chip. However, the multi-core score of 9280 demonstrates that the eight cores can handle parallel workloads effectively, especially when compared to older desktop parts like the i5-9500F, which the N355 edges out by 0.4% despite its mobile pedigree. The consistency across R15, R20, and R23 suggests that the chip’s performance scales linearly with core count, with no thermal throttling artifacts in the benchmark results.

Who Should Consider It

The Core 3 N355 is best suited for users who prioritize battery life and portability over raw performance. Its 15 W TDP and integrated UHD Graphics 770 make it a natural fit for ultrabooks, Chromebooks, and entry-level productivity laptops. For office tasks—word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web browsing—the single-core performance of 1310 in R23 is more than adequate, and the eight cores ensure smooth multitasking when multiple applications are open. The chip can also handle light photo editing and casual media consumption, though the modest single-thread speed will limit demanding creative software like 4K video editing or complex 3D rendering.

Gamers should temper expectations. The UHD Graphics 770 can output to displays and run older or less demanding titles at lower settings, but the CPU’s single-core score of 1310 will bottleneck modern games that rely heavily on one or two threads. For content creators who work primarily with multi-threaded tasks—such as batch image processing, video transcoding, or compiling code—the 8-core/8-thread configuration provides a solid foundation, but the low power envelope caps sustained performance under heavy loads. This is not a chip for professional workstations; it is a mainstream mobile processor designed for everyday use, where its combination of adequate performance and efficiency shines.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is stark. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 1310 is only 14% of the multi-core score of 9280. This indicates that the chip’s strength lies in parallel execution, not in fast single-threaded response. For applications that are single-threaded—many office suites, web browsers, and legacy software—the N355 will feel adequate but not snappy. The base clock of 100.00 MHz is exceptionally low, though the boost clock of 3.90 GHz allows brief bursts of higher performance when a single core is under load. This design favors power efficiency: the chip idles at a very low frequency and ramps up only when needed.

In contrast, multi-threaded workloads benefit from all eight cores. The 9280 R23 multi-core score suggests that the chip can handle tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering in lower complexity scenes, or scientific simulations that are well-parallelized. However, the low base clock means that sustained all-core loads will likely result in lower average frequencies than the boost clock, as thermal and power limits come into play. Users who run heavy multi-threaded applications for extended periods may notice a drop in performance compared to short bursts, but for typical productivity, the balance is acceptable.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 3 7330U: The N355’s average score of 2684 is exactly 0% different from the Ryzen’s 2685. In practice, these two chips are performance twins. Both are low-power mobile parts with 8 threads, and their benchmark scores are indistinguishable. The choice between them will likely come down to platform features, such as memory support or integrated graphics, rather than raw CPU speed.

Intel Core i5-9500F: The N355 is 0.4% ahead of this desktop chip (2674 vs 2684). The i5-9500F is a 6-core desktop processor from an older generation, yet the N355’s 8 cores and higher boost clock allow it to edge ahead in aggregate benchmarks. This is a notable achievement for a 15 W mobile chip, demonstrating that modern low-power architectures can match older desktop parts in multi-threaded tasks.

Intel Core i5-1335UE: The N355 leads by 0.5% (2670 vs 2684). The i5-1335UE is a low-power hybrid chip, and the N355’s uniform 8-core design yields slightly better average performance. The difference is minor, but it shows that the N355 holds its own against Intel’s own efficient lineup.

Intel Xeon E5-4650 v3: The N355 is 0.7% ahead (2664 vs 2684). The Xeon is a server-grade processor with many more cores, but its older architecture and lower clock speeds allow the N355 to outperform it in these specific benchmarks. This highlights how far mobile processors have come in efficiency and per-core performance.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core 3 N355 use?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1264 socket, which is a ball-grid array designed for soldered mobile installations, meaning the CPU is not user-replaceable.

Q: Does the N355 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The chip is designed for consumer mobile platforms.

Q: What memory types are compatible?

A: It supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 memory, but only in a single-channel configuration with a maximum bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, which can handle basic display output and light media tasks without a discrete GPU.

Q: When was the N355 released?

A: The release date is January 6, 2025, and it is currently listed as an active production part.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked. Overclocking is not supported.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core 3 N355 is a mobile processor soldered to the motherboard via the Intel BGA 1264 socket. This design means there is no upgrade path—users must replace the entire motherboard to change the CPU. The chip supports single-channel memory only, which limits memory bandwidth to 38.4 GB/s. This is a bottleneck for memory-intensive applications, but for typical mobile workloads, it is sufficient. The CPU provides 9 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which can be used for NVMe storage or other peripherals. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 handles display output, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems. ECC memory is not supported, and the platform is clearly consumer-oriented. The 10 nm process node contributes to the chip’s low power draw, and the 100.00 MHz base clock is unusually low, likely reflecting a deep idle state that helps extend battery life. The boost clock of 3.90 GHz provides the performance headroom needed for short bursts of activity.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 15 W, the Core 3 N355 is designed for extremely power-efficient systems. This low thermal envelope allows for passive cooling in some thin laptops, or a small, quiet fan in others. The 10 nm process helps keep heat generation low, and the low base clock of 100.00 MHz ensures minimal power consumption at idle. Under load, the chip can boost to 3.90 GHz, but sustained all-core workloads will likely cause the frequency to drop to maintain thermal limits. A capable air cooler—such as a thin heat pipe with a small fan—is sufficient for this processor. Users can expect cool and quiet operation during typical office use, with only moderate heat buildup during extended multi-threaded tasks. The locked multiplier prevents overclocking, but the low TDP already strikes a good balance between performance and power consumption, making the N355 an excellent choice for battery-powered laptops.