Intel AI Boost NPU (Core Ultra 100) vs Intel QuickSync (UHD Gen12 iGPU)
Intel AI Boost NPU (Core Ultra 100) is both faster and cheaper here - the default pick unless you need something specific from the other.
The verdict
- Plex
- Intel QuickSync (UHD Gen12 iGPU) transcodes video; Intel AI Boost NPU (Core Ultra 100) is detection-only (no transcode).
- Frigate
- Intel QuickSync (UHD Gen12 iGPU) handles more cameras (~25 vs ~13).
Which wins for each job
| Job | Intel AI Boost NPU (Core Ultra 100) | Intel QuickSync (UHD Gen12 iGPU) |
|---|---|---|
| Plex transcode | none | ~8 streams win |
| Frigate NVR | ~13 cameras | ~25 cameras win |
| Local LLM | none | none |
| Fits a mini-PC | built into a CPU | built into a CPU |
Approximate - capacity estimates from curated specs, the same logic as the recommender. Verify against your exact setup. Prices move; check the retailer.
Full specs
| Spec | Intel AI Boost NPU (Core Ultra 100) | Intel QuickSync (UHD Gen12 iGPU) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (list) | - | - |
| Type | npu | igpu |
| Interface | built-in | built-in |
| Transcode | - | H.264/HEVC 4K (AV1 decode) |
| Frigate detector | OpenVINO | OpenVINO |
| TOPS | 11 | - |
| VRAM (GB) | - | - |
| Low profile | no | no |
| GPU sharing | - | sr-iov |
| Power (W) | 0 | 0 |