Intel N Series (N95, N97, N100, N150, N200) – Which One Should You Buy in 2025?
- Gav Mag
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you require an affordable power-saving processor for normal computing, Intel's N-series processors like the N95, N97, N100, N150, and N200 are suitable. These processors are designed for affordable notebooks, mini PCs, and entry-level desktops and deliver a balance between performance and power efficiency.
But which one should you purchase? In this detailed comparison, we'll compare their specs, performance, power efficiency, and best use cases to help you make the correct choice.
1. Overview of Intel's N-Series Processors
Intel N-series processors are part of the Alder Lake-N series, using the Efficient-core (E-core) architecture. They are designed for low-power use and therefore are best suited for:
Basic productivity (web surfing, office software)
Media consumption (streaming, light gaming)
Home servers and mini PCs
Thin and light budget laptops
In contrast to Intel's Core i3/i5/i7 processors, the N-series is more concerned with power efficiency and less with sheer performance. They are not designed to handle heavy loads such as video editing or AAA gaming but are the best at affordable, day-to-day computing.
2. Intel N-Series Processor Comparison (Specs & Performance)
Now let's discuss the main differences between the N95, N97, N100, N150, and N200.
Specifications at a Glance
Processor | Cores / Threads | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Cache (L3) | TDP | GPU (Intel UHD) | Max Memory Support |
N95 | 4C / 4T | 1.7 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 6MB | 15W | 16 EU (1.2 GHz) | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
N97 | 4C / 4T | 2.0 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 6MB | 15W | 24 EU (1.4 GHz) | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
N100 | 4C / 4T | 1.0 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 6MB | 6W | 24 EU (750 MHz) | 16GB DDR5-4800 |
N150 | 4C / 4T | 1.5 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 6MB | 6W | 16 EU (1.3 GHz) | 16GB DDR5-4800 |
N200 | 4C / 4T | 1.0 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 6MB | 6W | 32 EU (750 MHz) | 16GB DDR5-4800 |
Key Takeaways from the Specs
N95 vs. N97: The N97 features a higher base clock (2.0 GHz vs. 1.7 GHz) and better GPU (24 EU vs. 16 EU).
N100 vs. N200: The N200 features a higher boost clock (3.7 GHz vs. 3.4 GHz) and more efficient GPU (32 EU vs. 24 EU).
TDP Differences: The N95 and N97 run at 15W, whereas the N100, N150, and N200 are power-efficient at 6W.
Memory Support: DDR5 supported by N100, N150, and N200, while DDR4 is supported by N95 and N97. Note this is only if the ram slot is specific to DDR5, some still come with only DDR4
3. Performance Benchmarks & Real-World Usage
CPU Performance (Single & Multi-Core)
N95 & N97: Ideal for light multitasking (web browsing, Office work). The N97 is slightly faster due to higher clock speeds.
N100 & N200: Power-efficient, with the N200 being the best in the 6W class.
N150: A balance between the N100 and N200.
Geekbench 6 Scores (Approx.)
N95: ~1,100 (Single), ~2,800 (Multi)
N97: ~1,250 (Single), ~3,100 (Multi)
N100: ~1,000 (Single), ~2,600 (Multi)
N200: ~1,300 (Single), ~3,300 (Multi)
GPU Performance (Intel UHD Graphics)
N95 (16 EU): Can play 1080p video playback and light indie games.
N97 (24 EU): Can play casual games (e.g., Minecraft, old games).
N200 (32 EU): Best iGPU in this series, can handle light esports games (e.g., CS:GO at low settings).
Power Efficiency & Battery Life
N95/N97 (15W): Enhanced long-term performance but with increased power consumption.
4. Which Intel N-Series Processor to Buy?
Best for Budget Laptops & Mini PCs: Intel N100
✅ Pros: Extremely power-efficient, ideal for web browsing, streaming.
❌ Cons: Not ideal for heavy multitasking.
Best for: Students, casual users, and mini PCs.
Best Balance of Performance & Efficiency: Intel N200
✅ Pros: More capable GPU (32 EU), DDR5 support, best 6W chip.
❌ Cons: Slightly more expensive than N100.
Ideal for: Light productivity, better future-proofing.
Ideal for Slightly Better Performance: Intel N97
✅ Pros: More capable than N95, better GPU than N100.
❌ Cons: Higher TDP (15W), less power-friendly.
Ideal for: Those who need a little extra speed without breaking the bank.
Avoid Unless Extremely on a Tight Budget: Intel N95 & N150
The N95 is fair but surpassed by the N97.
The N150 is in between the N100 and N200, with no significant benefits.
5. Final Verdict: Which One Takes the Crown in 2025?
Use Case | Best Choice |
Ultra-low power & budget | Intel N100 |
Best performance per watt | Intel N200 |
Slightly faster than N95 | Intel N97 |
Not the best | N95 & N150 |
If you want the best value in 2024, the Intel N200 is your best bet—it comes with the most premium GPU, DDR5, and decent efficiency. But if you're on a budget, the N100 is still a viable choice for light tasks.
6. Where to Buy Intel N-Series Devices?
These chips come in:
Budget laptops (Lenovo, HP, Acer)
Mini PCs (Beelink, Minisforum)
Chromebooks
Intel's N-series processors are great values for general use. The N200 is the best all-around, then the N100 as the cheapest. Avoid the N95 and N150 unless they're significantly cheaper.
Which one will you be using?
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