Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-1135G7

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 i3-N305 vs Core i5-1135G7 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 i3-N305 vs Core i5-1135G7: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-N305

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA1449 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $309 MSRP, while Core i5-1135G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1135G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-1135G7

2020

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU), while Core i3-N305 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-N305 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,414 vs 9,600).
❌Older platform position on FCBGA1449 with DDR4, while Core i3-N305 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-N305 better than Core i5-1135G7?

Yes. Core i3-N305 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-N305 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.7% 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 i3-N305 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-N305 is the better buy right now. Core i3-N305 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $309 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (31.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-N305 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA1449, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-1135G7 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-N305

The Core i3-N305 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,600 points. Launch price was $309.

Core i5-1135G7

The Core i5-1135G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,414 points. Launch price was $309.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-N305 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-1135G7 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i3-N305 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-N305 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-1135G7 — a 10% clock advantage for the Core i5-1135G7 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-N305 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-1135G7 uses Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i3-N305 scores 9,600 against the Core i5-1135G7's 9,414 — a 2% lead for the Core i3-N305. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N305 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i5-1135G7.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-1135G7
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.2 GHz+11%
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	1.5 GHz+1400%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per module)+60%	1.25 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm SuperFin
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)
PassMark	9,600+2%	9,414
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	5,183
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,592
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	4,495

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-N305 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-1135G7 uses FCBGA1449 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-1135G7
Socket	FCBGA1264	FCBGA1449
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-N305) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-1135G7). The Core i5-1135G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics (80 EU)), while the Core i3-N305 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1135G7 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-1135G7 rivals Ryzen 5 5500U.