Intel Graphics 24EU (Twin Lake): 1 GHz Doesn’t Guarantee a Performance Gain

Intel Graphics 24EU in the Processor N150 still uses the Xe-LP architecture and 24 execution units. Compared with the Intel N100, the maximum GPU frequency has increased from 750 MHz to 1 GHz. The frequency is 33% higher, but testing does not show a comparable performance gain. Results vary noticeably among mini-PCs with the N150, while a separate system based on the N97 even outperforms the tested N150 models.

The Same 24 EUs, but a Higher Frequency

The Intel Processor N150 is equipped with integrated graphics featuring 24 execution units and a maximum dynamic frequency of 1 GHz.

The Intel Processor N100 also has 24 EUs, but its maximum frequency is 750 MHz. The architecture has not changed-both configurations belong to the Xe-LP family.

At the same time, the memory controller’s capabilities have barely changed. The N150 supports DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, and LPDDR5-4800, while the memory controller remains single-channel.

The higher-tier Intel N250 has a more powerful graphics unit: 32 EUs instead of 24 and a frequency of up to 1.25 GHz. Therefore, the 24-EU variant is specific to the N150: the N250 already uses 32 EUs.

Benchmarks in Real Devices

Even mini-PCs with the same Intel Processor N150 produce noticeably different results. The table shows the 3DMark Graphics Score, without the system’s overall score.

The difference among the three N150 systems reaches 26% in Time Spy Graphics.

The Beelink Mini S12 Pro with the N100 scores 328 points and even slightly outperforms the EQ14 with the N150. The Acemagic S1 with the N97 scores 473 points, putting it ahead of all three N150 systems.

At this level of performance, power limits, cooling, and memory can affect results more strongly than differences in GPU frequencies. A frequency of up to 1 GHz allows the N150 to be faster than the N100, but the specific result depends on the device implementation.

Gaming

The performance is already insufficient in Baldur's Gate 3: the Beelink EQ14 with the N150 delivers about 7.6 FPS at 1280 x 720 on low settings.

GTA V runs noticeably better. At 1920 x 1080 on the lowest settings, the result is about 25 FPS, while at 1366 x 768 it is approximately 43 FPS.

F1 22 delivers about 20 FPS at 1280 x 720 with the Ultra Low profile and about 11 FPS at 1920 x 1080 on Low. In Strange Brigade, it is possible to get approximately 27 FPS at 720p on the lowest settings.

Older and less demanding games are playable, especially after lowering the resolution. The performance of 24 EUs is insufficient for modern demanding games, even at the lowest settings.

Video and Display Output

In addition to 3D, Intel Graphics 24EU handles hardware video decoding and display output. The graphics unit supports Intel Quick Sync Video, resolutions of up to 4K at 60 Hz, and multiple-display connectivity.

For an office mini-PC, the GPU’s capabilities are sufficient, including video playback and working with multiple monitors. The weak point of 24EU is specifically its 3D performance.

Conclusion

The N150’s graphics run at a higher frequency, but in terms of performance, they remain at the same entry-level tier. The result depends substantially on the specific mini-PC, its power limits, cooling, and memory.

In Time Spy Graphics, the tested N150 systems score from 321 to 404 points. A well-implemented system with the N100 or N97 may therefore be faster than an individual mini-PC with the N150.

In games, Intel Graphics 24EU remains entry-level graphics. Moving from the N100 to the N150 does not in itself guarantee a performance gain: the specific implementation of the mini-PC may be more important here than the difference between the processors.