
When choosing a mini PC, the processor is one of the most critical factors. Today, we’re comparing three popular chips—Intel Processor N150, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, and Ryzen 5 3550H—to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
🧠 Core Specifications at a Glance
Specification | Intel N150 | Ryzen 5 3500U | Ryzen 5 3550H |
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Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
Base / Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz (fixed) | 2.1 / 3.7 GHz | 2.1 / 3.7 GHz |
TDP | 10W | 15–25W | 35W |
iGPU | UHD Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 | Radeon Vega 8 |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm) | 12nm | 12nm |
Cache | 10MB | 4MB | 4MB |
⚙️ Performance Insights
🧩 Multithreading & Productivity
Ryzen 5 3500U and 3550H both feature 8 threads, making them ideal for multitasking, productivity apps, and light creative workloads. The N150 lacks multithreading and is only suitable for very light tasks.
🧠 CPU Performance
Benchmarks from CPUBenchmark and CPU-Monkey show that Ryzen 5 3500U outperforms the N150 significantly, especially in multi-core tasks. The 3550H performs slightly better than 3500U but comes with higher power consumption and heat.
🎮 Graphics Power
Both Ryzen CPUs include Radeon Vega 8, which is far superior to Intel’s UHD graphics found in the N150. Vega 8 enables smooth 4K video playback, light gaming, and creative applications.
🌡️ Power & Heat
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Intel N150: Low power (10W), very efficient, best for silent or fanless systems.
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Ryzen 5 3500U: Balanced (15–25W), great efficiency-performance ratio.
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Ryzen 5 3550H: More powerful but generates significantly more heat (35W TDP).
🗣️ Real-World Feedback
“The Ryzen 3550H is more powerful than the N150 in raw CPU and iGPU performance… But the 3500U offers great balance for mini PCs.”
— Reddit user from /r/MiniPCs
💡 Why Ryzen 5 3500U is the Smart Choice
If you need a processor that can handle everyday tasks, light content creation, and multimedia workloads without generating too much heat or noise, the Ryzen 5 3500U hits the sweet spot:
✅ Excellent multi-threaded performance
✅ Powerful integrated Vega 8 GPU
✅ Efficient power usage
✅ Great balance of cost, performance, and thermal output
💻 Meet the GMKtec NucBox G10: Small PC, Big Potential
If you're looking to experience the full power of Ryzen 5 3500U in a compact form factor, check out the GMKtec NucBox G10.
🔑 Key Features
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AMD Ryzen 5 3500U with Vega 8 graphics
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RAM:2×DDR4 SO-DIMM 16G/32G, 2400 MT/s (up to 64GB) ;
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SSD:2×M.2 2280 PCIe3.0x4 SSD 512G/1TB (M.2 2280 PCIe expansion, supports up to 8TB per drive, total expansion up to 16TB)
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Triple display output: HDMI + DisplayPort + USB-C (up to 8K)
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Compact size: only 103×98×42mm, VESA mount included
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2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.2 for fast networking
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Silent cooling & stylish design
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Priced down to $189.99 – unbeatable value for this level of performance
🎯 Perfect For
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Remote work and multitasking
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Media center (Plex, Kodi, 4K playback)
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Light gaming and photo editing
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Home server or small office use
✅ Final Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U is a well-rounded chip that delivers modern performance without the heat and cost of high-TDP CPUs. If you're looking for a reliable, efficient, and affordable mini PC, the GMKtec NucBox G10 is one of the best options in the market.