Intel Core i3-N300 socket: BGA 1264
The Intel Core i3-N300 uses BGA 1264, a soldered BGA for Alder Lake-N processors with DDR4, DDR5 or LPDDR5 memory. The 8-core chip at 7 W with UHD graphics cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1264
- Launched
- January 2023
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 8
- Base power
- 7 W
- Codename
- Alder Lake-N
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- n/a
Intel Core i3-N300 specifications
| Cores | 8 (8 Efficient-cores, no Performance-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Gracemont E-cores (Alder Lake-N) |
| Clocks | Up to 3.8 GHz turbo (base not published in opened sources) |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 7 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 |
| Memory support | DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 or LPDDR5-4800, single channel, up to 16 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen3 lanes from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA 1264 soldered |
| Cooler in the box | None (thin or fanless cooling) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i3-N300 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1264 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1264 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1264 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,264 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 35 × 24 mm |
| Introduced | October 2025 |
| Memory | DDR4, DDR5 and LPDDR5, single channel, up to 4800 MT/s, up to 32 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i3-N300 is
The Core i3-N300 is the 7 W 8-core member of the Alder Lake-N N-series for thin laptops from the first quarter of 2023. Eight Gracemont Efficient-cores without hyperthreading boost to 3.8 GHz turbo, backed by 6 MB of Smart Cache. The Intel 7 die targets 7 W for fanless bodies that need threads at minimal power. It matches the N305 in core count and turbo with a lower power envelope.
UHD Graphics from shared memory cover classroom displays and video playback. Single channel DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 or LPDDR5-4800 to 16 GB feeds 8 threads for browsing and docs. Low power keeps idle draw down in always-plugged thin clients.
Entry buyers land here for 8 threads at 7 W where N305 thermals do not fit. Eight cores suit web-heavy schoolwork, while Core i3 U parts add Performance-cores for interactive bursts. Boards that support Alder Lake-N cover the family with the same firmware. The How to find your CPU socket type guide helps confirm BGA 1264 fit.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The N300 solders to BGA 1264 on thin laptop boards with no socketed path. Board makers set memory type and power limits. BGA 1264 does not cross to BGA 1493 Elkhart Lake boards. ARK lists Alder Lake-N as the codename with mobile positioning.
Platform IO comes from the SoC plus board wiring, with storage, wireless and display outputs from the design. Factory firmware carries Alder Lake-N support.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Single channel DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 or LPDDR5-4800 to 16 GB is fixed by board wiring. Soldered LPDDR5 suits sealed thin clients. Capacity is modest by design for entry workloads.
PCIe Gen3 lanes wire storage and radios on compact boards. Cooling is a spreader to the chassis for 7 W, usually fully fanless.
Upgrade paths
No CPU change is possible on soldered BGA 1264. Storage moves depend on the M.2 slot where makers open it.
Within Alder Lake-N on BGA 1264 the N305 adds power headroom on the same layout. Outside entry power, Core U parts on BGA 1744 add Performance-cores.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i3-N300 use?
BGA 1264 as a soldered BGA for Alder Lake-N processors. It cannot be removed or upgraded.
How is N300 different from N305?
Same 8-core layout and 3.8 GHz turbo at 7 W instead of 15 W for fanless bodies.
What memory does the N300 support?
DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 or LPDDR5-4800 in single channel to 16 GB.
What graphics does the N300 include?
Intel UHD Graphics from shared memory for classroom displays and video.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .