Core 3 N355 vs Core 5 120UL

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core 3 N355 vs Core 5 120UL FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core 3 N355 vs Core 5 120UL: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core 3 N355

2025

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core 5 120UL across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (10,502 vs 10,558).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 35.0 vs 38.1 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $277 MSRP).

Core 5 120UL

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $23 less on MSRP ($277 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 8.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.1 vs 35.0 PassMark/$ ($277 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 5 120UL better than Core 3 N355?

Yes. Core 5 120UL is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core 5 120UL is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core 5 120UL is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core 5 120UL is the better buy right now. Core 5 120UL comes in $23 cheaper on MSRP at $277 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 8.9% better value on MSRP (38.1 vs 35.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core 3 N355 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2024). That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core 3 N355 vs Core 5 120UL Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core 3 N355

The Core 3 N355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,502 points. Launch price was $149.

Core 5 120UL

The Core 5 120UL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,558 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core 3 N355 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core 5 120UL offers 10 cores / 12 threads — the Core 5 120UL has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core 3 N355 versus 4.6 GHz on the Core 5 120UL — a 16.5% clock advantage for the Core 5 120UL (base: 0.1 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core 5 120UL uses Raptor Lake-PS (2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core 3 N355 scores 10,502 against the Core 5 120UL's 10,558 — a 0.5% lead for the Core 5 120UL. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core 3 N355 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core 5 120UL.

Feature	Core 3 N355	Core 5 120UL
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	10 / 12+25%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.6 GHz+18%
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	1.3 GHz+1200%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+60%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Twin Lake (2024−2025)	Raptor Lake-PS (2024)
PassMark	10,502	10,558

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Memory & Platform

The Core 3 N355 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core 5 120UL uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core 3 N355	Core 5 120UL
Socket	FCBGA1264	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 5.0+25%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core 3 N355 was priced at $300, while the Core 5 120UL came in at $277. On launch pricing ($300 vs $277), Core 5 120UL was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 3 N355 delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 38.1 pts/$ for the Core 5 120UL — making the Core 5 120UL the 8.5% better value option.

Feature	Core 3 N355	Core 5 120UL
MSRP	$300	$277-8%
Performance per Dollar	35.0	38.1+9%
Release Date	2025	2024

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