Intel N95, N97, N100, and N150 Processors: A Detailed Comparison for Mini PC's
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Intel N95, N97, N100, and N150 Processors: A Detailed Comparison for Mini PC's

When it comes to choosing the right processor for your mini PC, Intel’s lineup of budget-friendly processors offers a range of options. The Intel N95, N97, N100, and N150 are part of Intel’s Alder Lake-N series, designed for entry-level laptops, mini PCs, and other low-power devices. These processors are built for efficiency and affordability, making them ideal for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and media consumption. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison.



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Key Features of Intel Alder Lake-N Processors for Mini PCs


Before we compare the specific models, it’s important to understand the shared features of these processors:

  • Architecture: Based on Intel’s Alder Lake architecture, these processors use a hybrid design with Efficient-cores (E-cores) for power efficiency.

  • Process Node: Built on the Intel 7 process (10nm Enhanced SuperFin).

  • Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics for basic graphical tasks.

  • TDP: Low Thermal Design Power (TDP) ranging from 6W to 15W, making them ideal for fanless designs and compact mini PCs.

  • Target Audience: These processors are aimed at budget-conscious users who need reliable performance for light workloads, especially in mini PCs.


Comparison Table: Intel N95 vs N97 vs N100 vs N150 for Mini PCs

Feature

Intel N95

Intel N97

Intel N100

Intel N150

Cores / Threads

4C / 4T

4C / 4T

4C / 4T

4C / 4T

Base Clock

1.7 GHz

2.0 GHz

1.8 GHz

2.0 GHz

Max Turbo Clock

3.4 GHz

3.6 GHz

3.4 GHz

3.4 GHz

Cache

6 MB L3 Cache

6 MB L3 Cache

6 MB L3 Cache

6 MB L3 Cache

TDP

15W

15W

6W

6W

Integrated GPU

Intel UHD Graphics (24 EU)

Intel UHD Graphics (24 EU)

Intel UHD Graphics (24 EU)

Intel UHD Graphics (24 EU)

GPU Clock

1.2 GHz

1.2 GHz

750 MHz

750 MHz

Memory Support

DDR4 / DDR5 / LPDDR5

DDR4 / DDR5 / LPDDR5

DDR4 / DDR5 / LPDDR5

DDR4 / DDR5 / LPDDR5

PCIe Lanes

9

9

9

9

USB Support

USB 3.2 Gen 2

USB 3.2 Gen 2

USB 3.2 Gen 2

USB 3.2 Gen 2

Release Date

Q1 2023

Q1 2023

Q1 2023

Q1 2023

Detailed Breakdown for Mini PCs

1. Performance

  • Intel N95: With a base clock of 1.7 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 3.4 GHz, the N95 is a solid choice for basic tasks in mini PCs. It’s slightly slower than the N97 but still capable of handling light workloads.

  • Intel N97: The N97 offers a higher base clock of 2.0 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 3.6 GHz, making it the fastest among the four in terms of raw CPU performance, ideal for mini PCs that need a bit more power.

  • Intel N100: The N100 has a base clock of 1.8 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 3.4 GHz. While its performance is similar to the N95, it has a lower TDP (6W), making it more power-efficient for compact mini PCs.

  • Intel N150: The N150 matches the N97’s base clock of 2.0 GHz but has a lower turbo boost of 3.4 GHz. It’s designed for slightly better efficiency than the N97, making it a great choice for energy-efficient mini PCs.

2. Power Efficiency

  • The N100 and N150 stand out with a TDP of just 6W, making them ideal for ultra-portable mini PCs and fanless designs. The N95 and N97, with a 15W TDP, are better suited for mini PCs with active cooling.

3. Graphics Performance

  • All four processors feature Intel UHD Graphics with 24 Execution Units (EUs). However, the N100 and N150 have a lower GPU clock speed (750 MHz) compared to the N95 and N97 (1.2 GHz). This means the N95 and N97 will offer slightly better graphical performance for light gaming or video playback on mini PCs.

4. Use Cases for Mini PCs

  • Intel N95: Best for basic computing tasks like web browsing, office applications, and media playback in mini PCs.

  • Intel N97: Ideal for users who need a bit more performance for multitasking or slightly heavier workloads on their mini PC.

  • Intel N100: Perfect for ultra-portable mini PCs where power efficiency is a priority.

  • Intel N150: A balanced option for those who want better efficiency without sacrificing too much performance in their mini PC.

Which One Should You Choose for Your Mini PC?

  • For General Use: The Intel N95 or N100 are excellent choices for everyday tasks in mini PCs. The N100 is more power-efficient, while the N95 offers slightly better graphics performance.

  • For Light Multitasking: The Intel N97 is the best option due to its higher base and turbo clock speeds, making it a great fit for mini PCs that need a bit more power.

  • For Ultra-Portable Mini PCs: The Intel N100 or N150 are ideal, with their low TDP making them suitable for fanless designs and compact form factors.


The Intel N95, N97, N100, and N150 processors cater to different needs within the budget segment, especially for mini PCs. While they share many similarities, their differences in clock speeds, TDP, and GPU performance make them suitable for specific use cases. Whether you prioritize performance, power efficiency, or a balance of both, there’s an option in this lineup for your mini PC.

Let us know in the comments which processor you’d choose for your mini PC and why!

 
 
 
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