🔍 CPU Showdown: Intel N150 vs AMD Ryzen 5 3500U vs Ryzen 5 3550H
🔍 CPU Showdown: Intel N150 vs AMD Ryzen 5 3500U vs Ryzen 5 3550H
· GMKtec · Blog Post 2025

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
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

  • Intel N150: Low power (10W), very efficient, best for silent or fanless systems.

  • Ryzen 5 3500U: Balanced (15–25W), great efficiency-performance ratio.

  • 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

  • AMD Ryzen 5 3500U with Vega 8 graphics

  • RAM:2×DDR4 SO-DIMM 16G/32G, 2400 MT/s (up to 64GB) ;

  • 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)

  • Triple display output: HDMI + DisplayPort + USB-C (up to 8K)

  • Compact size: only 103×98×42mm, VESA mount included

  • 2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 5.2 for fast networking

  • Silent cooling & stylish design

  • Priced down to $189.99 – unbeatable value for this level of performance


🎯 Perfect For

  • Remote work and multitasking

  • Media center (Plex, Kodi, 4K playback)

  • Light gaming and photo editing

  • 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.

👉 Shop Now – GMKtec NucBox G10

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