Core 3 N355 vs Core 5 120UL
Core 3 N355
Core 5 120UL
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 3 N355 is positioned at rank #625 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 3 N355
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120UL
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 3 N355 | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($270) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Twin Lake (2024−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 3 N355 | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+12%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($270) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 3 N355 and Core 5 120UL
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.
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 |
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% |
Value Analysis
The Core 3 N355 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core 5 120UL debuted at $277. At current prices ($300 vs $270), the Core 5 120UL is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 3 N355 delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 39.1 pts/$ for the Core 5 120UL — making the Core 5 120UL the 11.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core 3 N355 | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $277-8% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $270-10% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.0 | 39.1+12% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2024 |
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