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N150 vs i3-N305 Mini PCs UK: Four or Eight Cores?
N150 or i3-N305? Compare four-core and eight-core mini PCs in the UK for office work, containers and home servers, including complete prices and running costs.
The quick answer
Compare N150 for light desktop use and modest services; compare i3-N305 when additional concurrent CPU work justifies eight cores. Check memory, storage and networking before paying for more cores.
Compare the CPU, installed RAM, SSD and seller. Each card shows when its price was checked. Some PCs do not include an operating system, so confirm the contents and delivered total before ordering.
N150 · mini PC offers
6 complete systems
Beelink Mini PC 13th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N150 (up to 3.6GHz) MINI S13 Mini PC Windows 11 Home, 12GB LPDDR5 500GB SSD Business Mini Desktop PC, 4K Dual Display, HDMI/WiFi 6/BT5.2/RJ45 2.5G
N150 · 12 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£299.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini PC 13th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N150 (up to 3.6GHz) MINI S13 Mini PC Windows 11 Home, 12GB LPDDR5 500GB SSD Business Mini Desktop PC, 4K Dual Display, HDMI/WiFi 6/BT5.2/RJ45 2.5G
Amazon listing · ASIN B0BZGPTLPG
Beelink Mini PC Intel Alder Lake-N150(4C/4T, up to 3.6GHz), Mini S13 Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, 16GB RAM 500GB SSD Office Mini Desktop PC, 4K HDMI, WiFi 6/BT5.2/Dual 2.5G LAN
N150 · 16 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£309.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini PC Intel Alder Lake-N150(4C/4T, up to 3.6GHz), Mini S13 Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, 16GB RAM 500GB SSD Office Mini Desktop PC, 4K HDMI, WiFi 6/BT5.2/Dual 2.5G LAN
Amazon listing · ASIN B0FWKGHJC8
Beelink MINI S13 Mini PC, 12th Gen Intel Twin Lake-N150 (up to 3.6GHz) | 16G DDR4 5000G SSD Office Mini Desktop PC, 4K HDMI, Dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi6/BT5.2, Mini Computer Windows 11 Home
N150 · 16 GB RAM
£309.00 GBP
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Beelink MINI S13 Mini PC, 12th Gen Intel Twin Lake-N150 (up to 3.6GHz) | 16G DDR4 5000G SSD Office Mini Desktop PC, 4K HDMI, Dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi6/BT5.2, Mini Computer Windows 11 Home
Amazon listing · ASIN B0DPQC23PS
Beelink Mini S13 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150, 16G DDR4 500GB M.2 SSD
N150 · 16 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£309.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini S13 Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150, 16G DDR4 500GB M.2 SSD
Amazon listing · ASIN B0FWKHL3GM
Beelink Mini PC EQ14, Intel Twin Lake-N150, 16GB DDR4 500GB SSD | (up to 3.6GHz) Office Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, 4K Dual HDMI, WiFi 6/BT5.2, Dual 2.5G LAN
N150 · 16 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£319.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini PC EQ14, Intel Twin Lake-N150, 16GB DDR4 500GB SSD | (up to 3.6GHz) Office Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, 4K Dual HDMI, WiFi 6/BT5.2, Dual 2.5G LAN
Amazon listing · ASIN B0C2HKXXQJ
Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel 12th Processor N150 (4C/4T, up to 3.6Ghz), 16G DDR4 500G SSD Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, Dual 2.5G LAN/WiFi 6/BT5.2, 4K Dual Display Desktop Computer
N150 · 16 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£329.00 GBP
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Beelink EQ14 Mini PC, Intel 12th Processor N150 (4C/4T, up to 3.6Ghz), 16G DDR4 500G SSD Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, Dual 2.5G LAN/WiFi 6/BT5.2, 4K Dual Display Desktop Computer
Amazon listing · ASIN B0C1YH4ZDNNo systems match these filters. Try a higher budget or less memory.
N150 · barebones kits
N150: These are incomplete configurations. Include the required RAM, SSD and software when comparing total cost with a complete computer.
HKUXZR Firewall Appliance Mini PC,M1S Inter N150 NAS Host Soft Route,4 Cores and 4 Threads,2*Intel i226-V 2.5G,1*DDR5 4800MHz Max 48GB,Supports up to 4*M.2 (PCIE3.0×1) Nvme 2280 (NO RAM NO SSD)
N150 · Barebones kit: check included parts
£168.18 GBP
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HKUXZR Firewall Appliance Mini PC,M1S Inter N150 NAS Host Soft Route,4 Cores and 4 Threads,2*Intel i226-V 2.5G,1*DDR5 4800MHz Max 48GB,Supports up to 4*M.2 (PCIE3.0×1) Nvme 2280 (NO RAM NO SSD)
Amazon listing · ASIN B0FWJX2TKRN305 · mini PC offers
3 complete systems
Ttfzzztech Firewall Mini PC Core i3 N305, 16GB DDR5 256GB SSD,2 * 10G SFP,2 x 2.5GbE i226-V LAN, Micro Firewall Appliance,Industrial Desktop PC HDMI2.0,USB2.0,TF Card Slot AES-NI ESXI
N305 · 16 GB RAM · 256 GB SSD
£363.99 GBP
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Ttfzzztech Firewall Mini PC Core i3 N305, 16GB DDR5 256GB SSD,2 * 10G SFP,2 x 2.5GbE i226-V LAN, Micro Firewall Appliance,Industrial Desktop PC HDMI2.0,USB2.0,TF Card Slot AES-NI ESXI
Amazon listing · ASIN B0DNMB6MF2
Mini PC CSL Narrow Box Core i3 Windows 11 Pro, Intel Core i3-N305 8X 3800MHz Turbo Cycle, 500GB M.2 SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM, Intel UHD Graphics, HDMI 2, USB 3.2, BT 5.2, DisplayPort, Dual WiFi
N305 · 16 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£978.99 GBP
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Mini PC CSL Narrow Box Core i3 Windows 11 Pro, Intel Core i3-N305 8X 3800MHz Turbo Cycle, 500GB M.2 SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM, Intel UHD Graphics, HDMI 2, USB 3.2, BT 5.2, DisplayPort, Dual WiFi
Amazon listing · ASIN B0DJP3W928Mini PC CSL Narrow Box Core i3 Windows 11 Pro, Intel Core i3-N305 8X 3800MHz Turbo Cycle, 1000GB M.2 SSD, 32GB DDR4 RAM, Intel UHD Graphics, HDMI 2, USB 3.2, BT 5.2, DisplayPort, Dual WiFi
N305 · 32 GB RAM · 1000 GB SSD
£1,007.99 GBP
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Mini PC CSL Narrow Box Core i3 Windows 11 Pro, Intel Core i3-N305 8X 3800MHz Turbo Cycle, 1000GB M.2 SSD, 32GB DDR4 RAM, Intel UHD Graphics, HDMI 2, USB 3.2, BT 5.2, DisplayPort, Dual WiFi
Amazon listing · ASIN B0DJP3V1TNNo systems match these filters. Try a higher budget or less memory.
N305 · barebones kits
N305: These are incomplete configurations. Include the required RAM, SSD and software when comparing total cost with a complete computer.
AIOPCWA Fanless Mini PC Industrial Computer N305, 2 x RS232/RS485 COM, 2 x Gigabit RJ45 LAN, Embedded Micro PC, DDR4 Barebone No RAM/SSD/OS, Dual HD Port, VGA, Mini-PCIe, 6 × USB
N305 · Barebones kit: check included parts
£326.67 GBP
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AIOPCWA Fanless Mini PC Industrial Computer N305, 2 x RS232/RS485 COM, 2 x Gigabit RJ45 LAN, Embedded Micro PC, DDR4 Barebone No RAM/SSD/OS, Dual HD Port, VGA, Mini-PCIe, 6 × USB
Amazon listing · ASIN B0H347KD1NAs an Amazon Associate, Cloudzat earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not change the listed selection rules. Kits and other processors are kept separate from complete exact-CPU systems.
N150 vs i3-N305: match the CPU to the work
| Specification | Intel Processor N150 | Intel Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8 |
| Maximum turbo frequency | Up to 3.60 GHz | Up to 3.80 GHz |
| Intel processor power rating | 6 W processor base power | 15 W TDP · 9 W configurable TDP-down |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics · 24 execution units | Intel UHD 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 system benchmarks. Installed memory, ports and expansion depend on the exact computer.
Four cores or eight depends on the workload
Compare N150 and Core i3-N305 systems by the work that must run at the same time. An N150 can be considered for light desktop use and modest home services. The i3-N305 becomes more interesting when additional concurrent CPU work justifies its eight-core configuration. That distinction does not mean every eight-core machine is the better purchase: memory, SSD, ports, cooling and complete price still decide whether the computer fits.
Begin with the requirements you cannot easily change after buying. Write down the network interfaces, storage connections, software and memory needs, then shortlist complete systems that satisfy them. A cheaper price is less meaningful when it describes a barebones kit or a different installed configuration. The correct comparison is between computers you could actually deploy for the intended job, rather than isolated processor names.
Comparing a UK delivered price
Use the pound-denominated Amazon UK offers when buying for a UK address. Check the selected seller, delivery charge and final checkout total rather than comparing an overseas advertised price after currency conversion. For an imported configuration, establish where it ships from and whether any additional import charges are shown. Do not assume every variant on one product page has the same seller, dispatch location or return destination. Save the configuration and order details so that the delivered machine can be checked against the actual purchase.
A usable UK package also needs the appropriate mains lead or power adapter. Confirm the adapter input rating and supplied plug with the seller; a photograph of the enclosure does not establish these details. If Windows is included, check the edition, activation and recovery route. If you intend to install another system, include the time needed for installation and compatibility checks in the decision. A cheaper barebones kit may be reasonable for an experienced buyer but should be compared after adding the missing components.
Understand the core-count difference
N150 has four cores and four threads, while Core i3-N305 has eight of each. More cores can provide additional capacity for parallel work, but they do not establish twice the performance in every application. A workload may depend on one busy thread, storage response or memory availability. An idle service also does not consume the same processing resources as a busy application simply because both appear in a service list.
Use the official specifications to identify the processors, then seek evidence from complete systems when performance determines the choice. Cooling and firmware power settings can change sustained behaviour. Do not turn a maximum turbo figure or a seller’s faster-than statement into a measured result. Comparisons should identify the actual configuration and workload rather than treating all enclosures containing a CPU as interchangeable.
Office tasks and general multitasking
For a desk computer used mainly for documents, browsing and ordinary media, compare N150 configurations before assuming the higher tier is necessary. Installed RAM, SSD capacity, monitor connections and fan noise can affect the daily experience substantially. The number of active applications and browser tabs matters more than a broad label such as office PC, so consider your actual working pattern.
An i3-N305 system may be worth comparing when several applications remain active together or background work competes with the task in front of you. It still needs enough memory and suitable storage. If demanding editing, gaming or substantial local AI is central to the purchase, compare stronger platforms as well. Choosing between these two small-processor options should not prevent you from recognizing when the workload belongs in a different hardware class.
Containers and service consolidation
For a small service host, list what runs concurrently and what happens during backups, updates, indexing or other scheduled work. The additional CPU cores in an i3-N305 may be useful when that work can run in parallel. A few mostly idle services can be a different situation from a busy collection of tasks. Measure an existing installation where possible instead of sizing from the number of application icons alone.
Memory and storage can remain the limiting factors with either processor. Keep resources for the host, allow space for logs and recovery images, and retain backups away from the service machine. Avoid using a generic homelab claim as proof of capacity. The practical question is whether the complete computer can perform your service mix with acceptable response and recovery behaviour, not whether it reaches a particular core count.
Virtual machines need more than CPU support
Several interactive desktop virtual machines can create a different buying problem from lightweight containers. Add the concurrent guest memory needs, host overhead and storage activity before deciding that more cores solve the issue. Check the current virtualisation platform’s hardware requirements and the machine’s firmware options. A processor-level virtualisation feature does not guarantee that every network or storage device supports the use you intend.
Consider what you will do when the host needs maintenance. If several essential services move onto one mini PC, a single failure can affect all of them. Keep recovery instructions and independent backups, and migrate in manageable steps. If the workload needs substantially more memory or expansion than these platforms document, compare a more suitable system rather than trying to make core count compensate for a different resource constraint.
Installed RAM and documented limits
Compare the RAM that arrives in the machine, not an upgrade figure buried in the description. A higher-priced N305 configuration may simply include more memory or a larger SSD than the N150 beside it. Match those components when comparing value, and check whether the memory is soldered or replaceable. Include the cost and effort of any required upgrade before ranking the offers by price.
Intel lists a 16 GB maximum and one memory channel for both processors. Some system vendors advertise larger configurations, which require confirmation for the exact model and revision. Moving to i3-N305 does not by itself establish a larger official memory ceiling. If a vendor-specific configuration is essential to the plan, obtain clear written support information instead of assuming that every machine using the CPU behaves identically.
Network appliances and firewall work
For a router or firewall, compare the complete network implementation. Port count, controller model, driver support and the features enabled in the operating system all matter. VPNs and inspection can create different demands from simple forwarding. More cores do not establish a fixed routing-throughput advantage, and a processor badge does not guarantee that the machine has the right Ethernet interfaces for your installation.
Check the appliance’s memory and storage contents, power adapter and service access. Some multi-port models are sold barebones and should be priced with the necessary parts added. Cloudzat’s narrower OPNsense guidance addresses that specific software choice; this page compares general system tradeoffs. Keep a fallback connection and configuration backup if you are replacing the device that currently provides your household’s network access.
Media playback and transcoding
Do not choose solely by CPU core count for Plex or Jellyfin. Direct playback, software conversion and hardware-accelerated transcoding are different paths, influenced by codec, subtitles, client support and the operating-system graphics setup. Check the current application documentation and any paid features required for your intended use. Neither processor’s feature list supplies a reliable stream-count promise for your library.
Test representative media, including difficult subtitle and audio combinations, during the return period. Confirm the network connection to storage and clients as well as the CPU. If direct playback is the main use, an appropriately configured N150 may be worth comparing before paying more. If the workload includes other concurrent services, evaluate their combined requirements rather than deciding from a single successful media test.
Cooling and total ownership cost
Compare the enclosure, cooling and placement for long-running work. A fanless appliance can avoid fan noise while behaving differently from a ventilated desktop under sustained processing. Room temperature and firmware settings also affect the result. Read model-level evidence where available, rather than assuming that either processor has one universal noise or temperature profile across all systems.
Use measured whole-system power in the ownership calculator. Intel’s processor figures use different naming for these products and are not electricity readings at the wall. The tool’s initial watt values are examples. Enter comparable purchase prices, the same operating schedule and your own tariff. Add the cost of necessary parts before treating a lower quoted price as a lower ownership cost.
A practical choice between the two
Choose an N150 system when the light workload, required ports and installed configuration fit at a sensible total price. Compare i3-N305 when concurrent CPU work justifies additional cores and the rest of the machine supports that job. If the limiting requirement is memory, storage or expansion, let that requirement determine the shortlist rather than paying for a processor change that leaves the limitation untouched.
Before ordering, confirm the exact selected variant, seller terms, software contents and delivered UK total. Keep the written specification and verify CPU, RAM and SSD on arrival. Test essential ports and the actual workload before migrating important services. Preserve recovery information and independent backups so the new computer improves the installation without turning the migration itself into an avoidable source of downtime.
Electricity and support for a UK installation
For an always-on machine, enter the unit rate from your own electricity bill in pounds per kWh. The calculator uses an editable example, not a current national tariff. Do not allocate an entire household standing charge to a mini PC that does not change that charge. Compare measured whole-system power at the intended workload and operating hours. Include an external disk or network adapter if it will remain connected, and compare like with like when deciding whether electricity savings justify a higher purchase price.
Before moving important services, check the manufacturer’s firmware downloads and recovery instructions for the exact model. Establish whether the seller provides a practical UK return route and whether support can identify the purchased configuration. Keep a separate backup of your files and service settings. Test sleep, restart after a power interruption, Ethernet and the monitor connection while you can still resolve a configuration mismatch easily. These checks are especially useful when a compact PC will run unattended in a cupboard or replace a machine used for work.
Compare complete ownership cost
Enter comparable complete-system prices and your own electricity tariff. The starting 10 W and 15 W values are illustrative inputs, not processor measurements or country averages.
Estimated ownership cost = complete price + watts × hours/day × 365 ÷ 1000 × tariff × years. Excludes repairs, resale, peripherals and tariff changes.
Current alternative mini PC deals on Amazon
These use other processors. Compare the complete configuration, ports and delivered cost with the systems above.
Beelink Mini PC MINI S12 Pro, Intel 12th Processor N100 (4C/4T, up to 3.4Ghz), 12G LPDDR5 500G SSD Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, 4K Dual Display, 25W TDP/WiFi 6/BT5.2/ RJ45 2.5G
N100 · 12 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£279.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini PC MINI S12 Pro, Intel 12th Processor N100 (4C/4T, up to 3.4Ghz), 12G LPDDR5 500G SSD Mini Computer Windows 11 Home, 4K Dual Display, 25W TDP/WiFi 6/BT5.2/ RJ45 2.5G
Amazon listing · ASIN B0C1FXP33ZBeelink MINI S12 Pro Mini PC, Intel Alder Lake N100(4C/4T, up to 3.4GHz) 25W TDP, Mini Computer Windows11 Home, 12GB LPDDR5 500GB SSD Mini Desktop PC, 4K Dual Display HDMI/USB3/2.5G LAN/WiFi6/BT5.2
N100 · 12 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£289.00 GBP
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Beelink MINI S12 Pro Mini PC, Intel Alder Lake N100(4C/4T, up to 3.4GHz) 25W TDP, Mini Computer Windows11 Home, 12GB LPDDR5 500GB SSD Mini Desktop PC, 4K Dual Display HDMI/USB3/2.5G LAN/WiFi6/BT5.2
Amazon listing · ASIN B0DPQ933Q4
Beelink Mini PC N100(4C/4T,up to 3.4GHz),12th Alder Lake,Mini Desktop 12G LPDDR5 RAM 512G M.2 SATA SSD,Mini Computer 4K Dual HDMI/2.5G RJ45/Wifi6/BT5.2
N100 · 12 GB RAM · 512 GB SSD
£289.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini PC N100(4C/4T,up to 3.4GHz),12th Alder Lake,Mini Desktop 12G LPDDR5 RAM 512G M.2 SATA SSD,Mini Computer 4K Dual HDMI/2.5G RJ45/Wifi6/BT5.2
Amazon listing · ASIN B0GTVWFLBS
Beelink Mini PC S12 Pro, Intel Twin Lake-N100 (up to 3.4GHz), 25W TDP | 16GB DDR4 500GB SSD Windows 11 Home, 2.5G LAN, 4K Dual HDMI, WiFi 6, BT5.2, Office Mini Computer
N100 · 16 GB RAM · 500 GB SSD
£299.00 GBP
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Beelink Mini PC S12 Pro, Intel Twin Lake-N100 (up to 3.4GHz), 25W TDP | 16GB DDR4 500GB SSD Windows 11 Home, 2.5G LAN, 4K Dual HDMI, WiFi 6, BT5.2, Office Mini Computer
Amazon listing · ASIN B0C2HH2R4RComparison questions answered
Does i3-N305 have twice the cores of N150?
Yes. i3-N305 has eight cores and eight threads; N150 has four of each. That does not guarantee twice the application performance because workload parallelism, memory, storage, cooling and power settings also matter.
Which should I consider for several home services?
Compare i3-N305 when additional concurrent CPU work justifies more cores. An N150 can remain suitable for a modest service mix. Size installed memory, SSD and networking for the actual services before deciding.
Does switching from N150 to N305 increase the official RAM maximum?
Intel lists a 16 GB maximum and one memory channel for both. Larger advertised system configurations are vendor-specific claims that need confirmation for the exact machine and revision.
How should I use the ownership calculator?
Enter complete prices for comparable systems and measured average wall power where available. Use the same operating hours, tariff and ownership period. The starting watt values are examples, not test results.
How should I compare local prices?
Use GBP offers from Amazon UK and confirm the selected configuration, delivery, checkout taxes and return destination. Overseas converted prices are not local offers. Each card shows when its price was checked.
Sources and buying method
Intel provides the processor specifications. The cards show the RAM, SSD and dated Amazon price for each PC. We have not tested every machine ourselves.
Intel Processor N150 · Intel Core i3-N305 · Home Assistant x86-64