Intel Core i3-3120ME vs Intel Atom N2100

Intel Core i3-3120ME or Intel Core i3-3120ME – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i3-3120ME features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q3/2012 and belongs to the 3 generation of the Intel Core i3 series.
To use the Intel Core i3-3120ME, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 1023 socket.
The Intel Atom N2100 features 1 processor cores and has the capability to manage 2 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q4/2011 and belongs to the 3 generation of the Intel Atom series.
To use the Intel Atom N2100, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 559 socket.

The Intel Core i3-3120ME has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i3-3120ME is 2.4 GHz
The Intel Atom N2100 has 1 CPU cores and can calculate 2 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Atom N2100 is 1.6 GHz
The processor has one core only.

The Intel Core i3-3120ME has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i3-3120ME uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000, which has 128 texture shaders
and 16 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The Intel Atom N2100 has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Atom N2100 uses the PowerVR SGX545, which has 32 texture shaders
and 4 execution units.

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 16.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.
The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 4.0 GB distributed across 1 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 8.5 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.

The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 35 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.
The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 3.5 W watts.

The Intel Core i3-3120ME is manufactured using a 22 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 3.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Intel Atom N2100 is manufactured using a 32 nm process.