Intel Core 3 N350 specifications and in-depth review

Intel Core 3 N350

Manufacturer: Intel

The Intel Core 3 N350 is a laptop processor designed for energy-efficient computing, operating within a 7W thermal design power envelope that makes it well-suited for slim and fanless portable systems. Built on a 10nm semiconductor process, it features 8 cores with a turbo clock speed reaching up to 3.9GHz, supported by 6MB of L3 cache. The chip supports 64-bit operation and includes a range of instruction sets including AVX2, AES, and FMA3.

On the memory side, the N350 supports DDR5 RAM at up to 4800MHz, though it is limited to a single memory channel and a maximum capacity of 16GB. Integrated graphics come in the form of Intel Graphics with 32 execution units, a GPU turbo frequency of 1350MHz, and support for up to three displays simultaneously, along with DirectX 12 Ultimate, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3. The chip connects via PCIe 3.0 and has a rated maximum operating temperature of 105°C. In benchmark testing, it achieves a PassMark score of 7117 overall and 1806 in the single-core test.

Pros
  • Supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to 4800 MHz, bringing modern memory technology to a low-power laptop chip
  • Turbo clock speed reaches 3.9GHz, allowing the processor to handle bursts of demand beyond its base frequency
  • Integrated graphics support up to three simultaneous displays, offering flexible multi-monitor setups without a discrete GPU
  • DirectX 12 Ultimate, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3 support broadens compatibility with graphics and compute applications
  • NX bit support adds a layer of hardware-level security against certain types of malicious code execution
  • A 7W TDP makes the chip well-suited for thin, fanless, or battery-constrained laptop designs
Cons
  • Limited to a single memory channel, which reduces available memory bandwidth regardless of RAM speed
  • Maximum memory capacity is capped at 16GB, leaving little headroom for memory-intensive workloads
  • Does not support multithreading, so each core can only process one thread at a time
  • The multiplier is locked, offering no option to adjust clock speeds beyond factory settings
  • 6MB of L3 cache spread across 8 cores results in only 0.75MB per core, which is modest for sustained multi-threaded tasks
Who is this for?

This processor is a natural fit for users who need a lightweight, energy-efficient laptop for everyday computing tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption. Its 7W TDP makes it particularly well-suited for fanless or ultra-thin designs where heat management is a priority. The integrated graphics with support for up to three displays and DirectX 12 Ultimate also make it a reasonable choice for users who need basic multi-monitor setups or light graphical workloads without relying on a discrete GPU.

Who is this NOT for?

Users with demanding workloads will find this chip limiting in several respects. The absence of multithreading and the single memory channel significantly restrict throughput, making it a poor fit for heavy multitasking, video editing, or data-intensive applications. The 16GB memory ceiling and modest per-core cache also mean it is unsuitable for users running memory-hungry software or virtualization environments. Those looking for gaming beyond basic titles will also find the integrated GPU insufficient for anything requiring sustained graphical output at higher settings.

General info:

Type Laptop
Has integrated graphics
Thermal Design Power (TDP) 7W
semiconductor size 10 nm
CPU temperature 105 °C
PCI Express (PCIe) version 3
Supports 64-bit

The Intel Core 3 N350 is a laptop processor with a thermal design power (TDP) of 7W, reflecting its focus on low power consumption. It is manufactured on a 10nm semiconductor process and supports a maximum operating temperature of 105°C. The chip includes integrated graphics, supports 64-bit operation, and connects to the system via PCI Express 3.0.

Performance:

CPU speed 8 x 0.1 GHz
CPU threads 8 threads
turbo clock speed 3.9GHz
Has an unlocked multiplier
L3 cache 6 MB
L3 core 0.75 MB/core
Uses big.LITTLE technology

The Intel Core 3 N350 features 8 cores and 8 threads, with a turbo clock speed of 3.9GHz. It includes 6MB of L3 cache, working out to 0.75MB per core, which helps support smooth data access during operation. The processor does not use an unlocked multiplier, meaning clock speeds are fixed and cannot be manually adjusted, and it does not employ big.LITTLE heterogeneous core architecture.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 7117
PassMark result (single) 1806

In PassMark testing, the Intel Core 3 N350 achieves an overall score of 7117, reflecting its multi-core throughput across typical workloads. Its single-core PassMark result of 1806 gives an indication of per-core processing capability for tasks that rely on single-threaded performance.

Integrated graphics:

GPU name Intel Graphics
GPU turbo 1350 MHz
GPU execution units 32
DirectX version DirectX 12 Ultimate
supported displays 3
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 3

The Intel Core 3 N350 includes integrated Intel Graphics with 32 execution units and a turbo frequency of 1350 MHz. It supports up to three displays simultaneously and is compatible with DirectX 12 Ultimate, along with OpenGL 4.6 and OpenCL 3, covering a broad range of graphics and compute workloads handled directly by the integrated GPU.

Memory:

RAM speed (max) 4800 MHz
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 1
maximum memory amount 16GB
Supports ECC memory

The Intel Core 3 N350 supports DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 4800 MHz, operating through a single memory channel. It can accommodate a maximum of 16GB of RAM, and does not support ECC memory, which is typically reserved for applications requiring enhanced data integrity.

Features:

instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
uses multithreading
Has NX bit

The Intel Core 3 N350 supports a range of instruction sets including MMX, AVX, AVX2, AES, F16C, FMA3, SSE 4.1, and SSE 4.2, enabling support for a variety of general-purpose and vectorized computing tasks. The processor does not use multithreading, meaning each core handles a single thread at a time. It does include the NX bit, a hardware-level security feature that helps prevent certain classes of malicious code execution.

Final Verdict

The Intel Core 3 N350 is a clearly defined processor built around efficiency rather than raw throughput, and it largely delivers on that premise. Its 7W thermal design power makes it a credible option for slim, passively cooled laptops where battery life and thermal management take precedence over computational muscle. DDR5 memory support and a turbo speed of 3.9GHz add a degree of modern capability, while integrated graphics with three-display output and DirectX 12 Ultimate support round out a feature set that covers everyday use cases well. Where it runs into limitations — single-channel memory, a 16GB capacity ceiling, and no multithreading — these are largely inherent trade-offs of its low-power design philosophy rather than oversights. For users whose needs align with its intended scope, the N350 is a competent and purposeful chip; for those requiring sustained multi-threaded performance or headroom for demanding workloads, its constraints will become apparent quickly.

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