Intel Pentium N3700
Intel Pentium N3700 in 2025: Is it worth getting a budget laptop with this processor?
Introduction
Even a decade after its release, the Intel Pentium N3700 processor continues to appear in budget laptops and Chromebooks. This chip, designed for the ultra-budget segment, still finds its audience. But how relevant is it in 2025? Let's explore who would benefit from a device with the N3700 and in what scenarios it performs better than competitors.
Architecture and Technology Process: Why is Braswell Still Alive?
Code Name: Braswell (2015), Technology Process: 14 nm.
The processor is built on the Airmont architecture (a simplified version of Silvermont), which was initially designed for tablets and compact devices.
- 4 cores, 4 threads: No support for Hyper-Threading, each core handles one thread.
- Frequencies: Base — 1.6 GHz, turbo mode — up to 2.4 GHz (briefly for a single core).
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 405 (16 Execution Units), supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4, 4K@60 Hz via HDMI.
Architecture Features:
- Energy efficiency is a priority: Cores shut down during idle periods, and the L2 cache (2 MB) is dynamically allocated.
- Outdated graphics: HD 405 is capable of decoding H.265 video but is unsuitable for gaming.
Power Consumption and TDP: How Do 6 Wats Affect Laptop Design?
TDP of 6 W allows for passive cooling. This is a key reason why the N3700 is still used in:
- Ultra-thin Chromebooks (e.g., ASUS Chromebook C423).
- Inexpensive Windows laptops for education (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 1).
Practical example: A laptop with the N3700 and a 42 Wh battery can run up to 10 hours on web surfing due to the lack of a fan and OS optimizations.
Performance: What Can the N3700 Really Handle in 2025?
Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 177 (comparable to iPhone 8).
- Multi-Core: 562 (similar to budget smartphones with Snapdragon 680).
Real-world Tasks:
1. Office Work: Google Docs, LibreOffice, Zoom — acceptable but with limitations:
- Opening 10+ tabs in Chrome simultaneously may cause slowdowns.
2. Multimedia:
- Playback of 4K video (via hardware decoding).
- Simple editing in Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve — only suitable for short 1080p clips.
3. Gaming:
- Minecraft (720p, low settings) — 25-30 FPS.
- CS:GO (800x600, minimum settings) — up to 40 FPS, but with drops.
Turbo Mode: The frequency rises to 2.4 GHz for 10-15 seconds before throttling due to overheating.
Usage Scenarios: Who is the N3700 Suitable For?
1. Students: For working with texts, presentations, and online courses.
2. Older Users: Viewing photos, videos, chatting on Skype.
3. Secondary Device: As a compact laptop for travel.
Not suitable for:
- Video editing, 3D modeling.
- Modern gaming (even Fortnite on low settings will lag).
Battery Life: How 6W TDP Translates to 10 Hours of Usage?
- Power-saving technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamic frequency reduction during idle.
- C-States: Turning off unused cores.
- User Recommendations:
- Disable background applications.
- Use RAM-efficient browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge instead of Chrome).
Example: An Acer Aspire 1 laptop (N3700, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB eMMC) in 2025 costs about $250 and operates 8-9 hours under moderate load.
Comparison with Competitors: What Should You Choose Instead of N3700?
1. AMD Athlon Silver 3050e (2020):
- 2 cores/2 threads, 6W TDP.
- Better for single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 240).
- Laptop prices: starting from $300.
2. Apple M1 (2020):
- Indirect competitor (10W TDP, but 3-4 times higher performance).
- Devices with M1 (e.g., MacBook Air) cost from $700.
3. Intel Celeron N5100 (2021):
- 4 cores/4 threads, 6W TDP, UHD graphics (24 EU).
- 30% faster in multi-threaded tasks.
Conclusion: The N3700 falls short even against budget models from 2021-2023, but wins on price.
Pros and Cons: Why is it Still Sold?
Pros:
- Low laptop prices ($200-300).
- Quiet operation (no fan).
- Sufficient for basic tasks.
Cons:
- Weak upgrade potential: Often non-removable RAM and eMMC storage.
- No support for Wi-Fi 6.
- Noticeable lags during multitasking.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of Device:
- Chromebook (e.g., HP Chromebook 14a) — optimal due to lightweight OS.
- Windows Laptop — only if an office suite is needed.
2. What to Look For:
- RAM Size: Minimum 4 GB (better 8 GB for Windows 11).
- Storage: SSD is preferred over eMMC.
- Display: IPS panel (avoid TN due to poor viewing angles).
3. Avoid:
- Laptops with HDD — they will slow down the system even more.
- Devices without USB-C.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Pentium N3700 Suitable for in 2025?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Are looking for the cheapest laptop for basic tasks.
- Value battery life and quiet operation.
- Do not plan to use resource-intensive applications.
Alternative: If your budget allows for $350-400, it is better to get a device with Intel Celeron N5100 or AMD Athlon Silver — they will last longer.
Key Benefit: For $200-250, you get a new laptop with a warranty capable of handling documents and web browsing. But be prepared for compromises in speed.
If you are buying a laptop with the N3700 in 2025, perceive it as a tool for specific tasks, not a universal solution. Its time is not yet over, but competitors are offering more for slightly higher prices.