# i3-N305 vs Core 3 N355: Which Mini PC Should You Buy? > Compare i3-N305 vs Core 3 N355 mini PCs: eight-core specifications, RAM, SSD, US prices and cooling. Decide whether the newer system earns its premium. - Best used for: Both processors have eight cores and eight threads. Choose the complete system with the configuration, ports, cooling and support you need at the better total cost. A newer N355 badge alone is not a reason to replace a working N305. - Canonical: https://cloudzat.com/n305-vs-n355/ - Published: 2026-10-30 - Updated: 2026-10-30 - Author: Kayla Idayi - Site: https://cloudzat.com/ - LLM index: https://cloudzat.com/llms.txt ## Content United States · Amazon.com · USD Compare i3-N305 vs Core 3 N355 mini PCs: eight-core specifications, RAM, SSD, US prices and cooling. Decide whether the newer system earns its premium. Compare offersSpecifications and comparisonRunning costQuestions ## The quick answer Both processors have eight cores and eight threads. Choose the complete system with the configuration, ports, cooling and support you need at the better total cost. A newer N355 badge alone is not a reason to replace a working N305. Compare the installed CPU, memory, SSD and seller. Some complete hardware configurations omit an operating system. Prices are retained Amazon observations with the original verification time. Confirm the selected variant and delivered total before ordering. ## N305 mini PC offers 0 complete systems No verified complete N305 offers are available in the US catalogue right now. Use the guide below and confirm the exact configuration at the retailer. ## N305 barebones kits These N305 kits are incomplete configurations. Add the required RAM, SSD and software before comparing their total cost with a complete computer. Check the included parts on the exact offer. ![SIENSNET N305 Mini PC Firewall,Dual 2.5G&10G LAN Home Server(Barebone) | Dual 2.5G & 10G LAN, 4K Triple Display, DDR5 Memory, Home Server,Firewall PC, Type-C Port，SFP+10gbe](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41TOHxc1uUL._SL500_.jpg) ### SIENSNET N305 Mini PC Firewall,Dual 2.5G&10G LAN Home Server(Barebone) | Dual 2.5G & 10G LAN, 4K Triple Display, DDR5 Memory, Home Server,Firewall PC, Type-C Port，SFP+10gbe N305 · Barebones kit: check included parts US$359.77 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ8P4DS2?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-29 22:04 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details SIENSNET N305 Mini PC Firewall,Dual 2.5G&10G LAN Home Server(Barebone) | Dual 2.5G & 10G LAN, 4K Triple Display, DDR5 Memory, Home Server,Firewall PC, Type-C Port，SFP+10gbe Amazon listing · ASIN B0HJ8P4DS2 ![N305 Fanless Mini PC Firewall, 2x10G Marvell LAN + 2xi226 2.5GbE LAN, DDR5 Single Slot, 2x M.2 NVMe, HDMI DP, Type-C, Support PVE ESXi OPNsense, Soft Router NAS Micro Computer, No RAM No SSD](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41TOHxc1uUL._SL500_.jpg) ### N305 Fanless Mini PC Firewall, 2x10G Marvell LAN + 2xi226 2.5GbE LAN, DDR5 Single Slot, 2x M.2 NVMe, HDMI DP, Type-C, Support PVE ESXi OPNsense, Soft Router NAS Micro Computer, No RAM No SSD N305 · Barebones kit: check included parts US$379.00 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HJ8W5FHM?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-29 22:04 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details N305 Fanless Mini PC Firewall, 2x10G Marvell LAN + 2xi226 2.5GbE LAN, DDR5 Single Slot, 2x M.2 NVMe, HDMI DP, Type-C, Support PVE ESXi OPNsense, Soft Router NAS Micro Computer, No RAM No SSD Amazon listing · ASIN B0HJ8W5FHM ## N355 mini PC offers 1 complete systems ![Elo Backpack Mini Computer with Intel | i3-N355, No OS, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-C](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ofoT7G2nL._SL160_.jpg) ### Elo Backpack Mini Computer with Intel | i3-N355, No OS, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-C N355 · 16 GB RAM · 256 GB SSD US$1,327.30 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKQK8B17?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-30 09:36 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details Elo Backpack Mini Computer with Intel | i3-N355, No OS, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-C Amazon listing · ASIN B0GKQK8B17 No systems match these filters. Adjust the budget or memory requirement. As an Amazon Associate, Cloudzat earns from qualifying purchases. Barebones kits and comparative processor mentions are excluded from these complete-system lists. Product titles describe the retailer’s selected offer; confirm all features for the exact variant. ## i3-N305 vs Core 3 N355: what changes for the buyer | Specification | Intel Core i3-N305 | Intel Core 3 N355 | | --- | --- | --- | | Cores / threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 | | Maximum turbo | Up to 3.80 GHz | Up to 3.90 GHz | | Intel processor power rating | 15 W TDP · 9 W configurable TDP-down | 15 W processor base power · 9 W minimum assured power | | Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics · 32 execution units | Intel Graphics · 32 execution units | | Intel listed maximum memory | 16 GB · one memory channel | 16 GB · one memory channel | Source: Intel specifications linked above, checked 30 October 2026. Processor ratings are not wall-power measurements or complete-system benchmarks. Installed memory, expansion, ports and display support depend on the exact computer. ### This is an eight-core versus eight-core decision Core i3-N305 and Core 3 N355 both have eight cores and eight threads. Do not treat N355 as a core-count upgrade over N305. For a buyer comparing complete mini PCs, the useful differences include installed memory, SSD, ports, cooling, software contents, seller support and price. Begin with the job you need the machine to perform and the requirements you cannot change easily after purchase. An N355 model can be attractive when its complete package earns the premium. A suitably configured N305 can remain a sensible option when it costs less and already meets the workload. For an existing owner, replacing a working eight-core computer needs a specific reason. The newer name alone does not establish that the change will improve your applications, service capacity or ownership experience enough to justify the cost. ### Names and published specifications Intel’s official names are Core i3-N305 and Core 3 N355. Retailer descriptions may use inconsistent abbreviations, so confirm the exact selected processor. The specification table identifies the official models and their published turbo, graphics and power information. These are processor facts, not a benchmark result showing a fixed percentage advantage in every small computer using the newer chip. The maximum clock and graphics specifications differ, but neither value demonstrates the behaviour of a complete enclosure during long-running work. Cooling, firmware settings and the installed configuration also matter. When performance determines the purchase, seek evidence that identifies the tested system and workload. Avoid making a replacement decision from a processor-number comparison or a seller’s unqualified speed claim alone. ### Compare equivalent complete configurations Match the installed RAM and SSD before comparing the displayed prices. A complete desktop, an industrial appliance and a barebones kit are different purchases even when they use one of these CPUs. Include memory, storage, an appropriate power adapter, software and required accessories in the total. A lower starting price can disappear once the machine is equipped for the job. Check the selected variant and seller again at checkout. Product-family pages can change the processor, installed components or operating-system bundle when an option changes. Keep the written specification with your order record. Do not assume that the enclosure photograph, familiar model name or largest capacity mentioned in the description identifies the configuration included in the price you are comparing. ### Memory does not automatically increase with the newer CPU Size memory around the applications or services that must run at the same time. Allow space for the host operating system, background work and recovery needs. Several busy containers or virtual machines can be constrained by memory before all CPU cores are occupied. Check installed capacity, whether modules are replaceable and what a later change would cost. Intel lists a 16 GB maximum and one memory channel for both processors. Larger configurations advertised by a system vendor require confirmation for the exact machine and revision. The newer N355 name does not establish a larger official memory ceiling. If your planned workload depends on substantially more memory, evaluate other platforms rather than assuming that changing between these two CPUs resolves the constraint. ### Home services and virtual-machine planning For a service host, separate the number of installed applications from the amount of work they actually do. A few busy tasks can matter more than many mostly idle services. Consider what happens when indexing, backups or updates overlap with normal use. With the same core count in both processors, complete-system behaviour and the rest of the configuration deserve close attention. For virtualization, check the current platform requirements, firmware options and device support. CPU virtualization features do not guarantee that every network or storage component can be used as you intend. Keep backups away from the host and document recovery steps. If an existing N305 system runs the service mix comfortably, measure its actual limitations before assuming that an N355 replacement will provide a meaningful improvement. ### Networking can matter more than a CPU refresh Compare network-controller models, port count and operating-system support for a firewall or multi-network appliance. The CPU name does not determine the Ethernet hardware implemented by the manufacturer. Features such as VPNs, inspection and several active links can change the workload. A published processor specification does not establish a guaranteed encrypted-throughput or routing result for the finished device. An N355 appliance may justify consideration because of its board layout or useful interfaces, while an N305 model may already have the connections you need. Confirm those features directly rather than assigning the benefit to the processor refresh. Include any required network accessories and retain a fallback connection when replacing essential equipment. Recovery and support arrangements matter when the appliance is responsible for household connectivity. ### Storage, service access and firmware support Check SSD capacity, interface and maintenance access on the exact machine. A service host needs room for updates, logs and recovery images as well as applications and data. A second connector may be useful, but restrictions, shared space or missing hardware can change the upgrade plan. An M.2 label alone does not prove NVMe support or an unrestricted expansion path. Review the manufacturer’s update and recovery information. Older stock is not automatically unsuitable, and a newer CPU does not automatically bring better firmware maintenance or seller support. The practical questions are whether the exact model has the documentation, updates and service route you need. Retain the original recovery information before changing the operating system or migrating important services. ### Office work, graphics and media servers For office use, assess the applications you run together, monitor connections, SSD space and noise. A newer processor may be less important than a better configured and better supported desktop. For media-server use, separate direct playback from conversion. Codec, subtitles, client compatibility, graphics drivers and application settings determine the actual path and can matter more than a small published frequency difference. Check the current Plex or Jellyfin acceleration requirements for your operating system and intended features. Do not infer a fixed simultaneous-stream count from either CPU’s graphics specification. Test representative files and your actual display or network setup during the return period. If demanding games, creative production or substantial local AI are the main objective, compare more suitable platforms rather than assuming these two eight-core labels describe the same class as larger processors. ### Cooling and running-cost comparison Compare the exact enclosures and their cooling arrangements for sustained work. Fanless systems can avoid fan noise while depending strongly on placement, ambient temperature and power settings. A quiet ventilated desktop can be the better fit for some installations. Measurements from one enclosure should not be treated as universal results for every N305 or N355 computer. Their nominal processor ratings do not establish identical whole-system power or a guaranteed electricity saving for the newer machine. Use measured average wall power, the same operating hours and your own tariff in the calculator. The initial watt values are illustrative inputs. Add the complete purchase price and required components, then consider support, maintenance and recovery costs alongside the resulting numerical scenario. ### Buy the better system and avoid an unnecessary replacement For a new purchase, choose the N355 model when its complete configuration, ports, cooling or support justify its total cost. Choose a well-specified N305 when it meets the same job at a more attractive delivered price. Avoid assuming either outcome from the CPU name alone, especially when availability or a specialist enclosure explains much of the price difference. For an existing N305 owner, retain the machine when it performs reliably and has the required capacity. Replace it when the new system solves a clear limitation that is worth the complete migration cost. On arrival, verify the selected CPU, installed memory and SSD, test important ports and keep recovery information. Migrate services gradually, retain independent backups and confirm the practical benefit with your own workload before retiring the working system. ## Compare purchase price and running cost Enter prices for comparable complete configurations. The 10 W and 15 W power inputs are examples, not measurements of either processor. Use measured system power and your electricity tariff. Estimated ownership cost = complete purchase price + watts × hours per day × 365 ÷ 1000 × tariff × years. Excludes repairs, resale, peripherals and tariff changes. ## Other mini PC options These use different processors. Compare workload fit, installed memory, storage and ports before choosing. ![BOSGAME Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ei-c8-ADL._SL500_.jpg) ### BOSGAME Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD RYZEN · 8 GB RAM · 256 GB SSD US$189.99 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKJGC1S6?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-29 22:03 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details BOSGAME Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD Amazon listing · ASIN B0DKJGC1S6 ![BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC Ryzen 5400U, 8GB Upgradable RAM 256GB SATA SSD | Dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 5/BT5.0, 4K Triple Display HDMI+DP+Type-C, W11, Soft Router, Home & Office](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I5EjRDVyL._SL500_.jpg) ### BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC Ryzen 5400U, 8GB Upgradable RAM 256GB SATA SSD | Dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 5/BT5.0, 4K Triple Display HDMI+DP+Type-C, W11, Soft Router, Home & Office RYZEN · Installed configuration not confirmed US$197.99 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDZPLPP8?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-29 22:07 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC Ryzen 5400U, 8GB Upgradable RAM 256GB SATA SSD | Dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 5/BT5.0, 4K Triple Display HDMI+DP+Type-C, W11, Soft Router, Home & Office Amazon listing · ASIN B0GDZPLPP8 ![BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5400U(4C/8T) 8GB DDR4 256GB SATA SSD | (up to 4.0GHz), Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Typle-C, 2.5G Dual LAN, Mini Desktop Computers Support 4K Triple Display Home & Office](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4145pTVwVPL._SL500_.jpg) ### BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5400U(4C/8T) 8GB DDR4 256GB SATA SSD | (up to 4.0GHz), Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Typle-C, 2.5G Dual LAN, Mini Desktop Computers Support 4K Triple Display Home & Office RYZEN · 8 GB RAM US$199.00 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNT28BV1?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-29 22:07 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5400U(4C/8T) 8GB DDR4 256GB SATA SSD | (up to 4.0GHz), Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Typle-C, 2.5G Dual LAN, Mini Desktop Computers Support 4K Triple Display Home & Office Amazon listing · ASIN B0DNT28BV1 ![BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC | 8GB DDR4 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, 2.5 GbE Dual Lan Desktop Computers, Triple Displays 4K 60Hz, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Support Linux SSH](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GKwaKSqTL._SL500_.jpg) ### BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC | 8GB DDR4 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, 2.5 GbE Dual Lan Desktop Computers, Triple Displays 4K 60Hz, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Support Linux SSH RYZEN · 8 GB RAM · 256 GB SSD US$199.99 USD [Buy on Amazon ↗](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ43833C?tag=cloudzat0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_US) Price verified 2026-10-29 22:07 UTC · New Retained observation. Check the retailer for the current price. Offer details BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC | 8GB DDR4 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, 2.5 GbE Dual Lan Desktop Computers, Triple Displays 4K 60Hz, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Support Linux SSH Amazon listing · ASIN B0GQ43833C ## Comparison questions answered Does N355 have more cores than i3-N305? No. Both have eight cores and eight threads. N355 is not a core-count upgrade over N305. Compare the complete configuration, cooling, support and price before deciding that a replacement is worthwhile. Is Core i3-N355 the correct official processor name? Intel uses Core 3 N355. The older processor is Core i3-N305. Retailer abbreviations can differ, so verify the exact selected processor and the written specification of the complete machine. Should I replace a reliable N305 mini PC with N355? Replace it when the new system solves a clear limitation worth the complete purchase and migration cost. A working N305 that meets the workload does not need replacement solely because the newer processor exists. Do the calculator’s initial watts come from measurements? No. They are editable examples. Enter measured whole-system averages where available, prices for comparable complete systems, the same operating schedule and your own tariff. How are complete-system prices selected? Offers require the named processor and a valid US-dollar observation for the US marketplace. Barebones kits and ambiguous processor variants are excluded. Confirm the selected components and checkout total at the retailer. ## Sources and comparison method This guide combines Intel’s published processor specifications with the dated Amazon configurations shown above. Buying judgments describe workload and configuration tradeoffs. We have not benchmarked every listed system, and a CPU specification does not establish a measured speed advantage. [Intel Core i3-N305 specifications](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/231805/intel-core-i3n305-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-80-ghz/specifications.html) · [Intel Core 3 N355 specifications](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/241639/intel-core-3-processor-n355-6m-cache-up-to-3-90-ghz/specifications.html) · [Home Assistant x86-64 installation](https://www.home-assistant.io/installation/generic-x86-64/) Guide checked: 30 October 2026 · Cloudzat ## Continue your research [N150 mini PC guide](https://cloudzat.com/n150-mini-pc/)[Mini PC prices](https://cloudzat.com/mini-pc-prices/)[Mini PC selector](https://cloudzat.com/mini-pc-selector/)[N100 Mini PCs: Compare Prices, RAM and SSD Options](https://cloudzat.com/n100-mini-pc/)[i3-N305 Mini PCs: Prices, Specs and Buying Guide](https://cloudzat.com/n305-mini-pc/)[Core 3 N355 Mini PCs: Prices and Buying Guide](https://cloudzat.com/n355-mini-pc/)[N100 vs N150 Mini PCs: Which Should You Buy?](https://cloudzat.com/n100-vs-n150/)[N150 vs i3-N305 Mini PCs: Four or Eight Cores?](https://cloudzat.com/n150-vs-n305/)[N150 vs N355 Mini PCs: Which Fits Your Workload?](https://cloudzat.com/n150-vs-n355/) --- Machine-readable alternate. Cite or link to the canonical Cloudzat URL above. For changing prices, availability, forecasts, compatibility, or calculator results, fetch the canonical page at answer time.