Single-channel isn't what is going to kill Alder Lake-N, it is the lack of Thunderbolt4 and the prices.
Acer: A315-510P-3905 => $499, Core i3-N305, 8 GB LPDDR5, 256 GB SSD, No Thunderbolt
Acer: A515-57-53T2 => $469, Core i5-1235u, 2x4GB DDR4-3200(Upgradeable), 512 GB SSD, 1x Thunderbolt
Deep-dived Intel: NUC12WSHi5 => $500, Core i5-1240P, No RAM(2x Slots), No SSD(22x80 NVMe, 22x42 SATA, 2.5" SATA upgradeable), 2x Thunderbolt
There is a i3-1215u but it is in $500-$600 range, with 8GB LPDDR4X(probably single 64-bit), 160GB-320GB SSD, but is stacked with I/O in laptop format; 2x USB3 5 Gbps, 2x USB3 10 Gbps, 2x TBT4 40 Gbps. Almost forgot about Chuwi with the CoreBox 4th: $350, i3-1215u for 16 GB LPDDR5+512 GB SSD and 1x USB4/TBT4-Compliant port...
So far from what I can find is most if not all the Core i3 N-series are shooting in the Thunderbolt4 range as introduction prices. It would make sense if Core i3 N-series had Thunderbolt4, but it doesn't.
Core i3 N-series has the same Thunderbolt TCSS as the Core i3 U-series. It is really awkward for Intel to have soft gutted Thunderbolt 4 on the N-series at launch. Then, specifically have everyone launch the i3 N-series with no Thunderbolt4 in the same field as i5/i3 U-series that have Thunderbolt4.
Alderlake-N quite clearly has USB4/TBT4 patches referenced on USB4 build up on AMD's Yellow Carp/Pink Sardine. With changes later on to better support x86-USB4/TBT4 across AMD's USB4 and Intel's TBT4 implementation, affecting Icelake -> Meteorlake(includes Alder Lake-N USB4/TBT4 Controller patches).
The brief/Intel website for ADL-N so far is unspecific on the USB-C standard;
- Two USB-C lanes on the CPU
- Four USB 3.2 or eight USB 2.0 lanes on the PCH
I assume it is going to be a wild west of configurations:
Some OEMs will not use it at all (Asus PN42)
Some OEMs will be USB3 5 Gbps (Acer Aspire 3?)
Some OEMs will be USB3 10 Gbps (MSI Cubi N, Asus BR1102?)
Some OEMs will be USB3 20 Gbps (Acer Aspire 3?, Asus BR1102?)
Some OEMs will be USB4/TBT4 40 Gbps (No public reveal yet)
Given the above, I am pretty sure Core i3 N-series will get Thunderbolt/USB4. It just isn't guaranteed across products. Also, there might be a in-year/within a year refresh:
Core i3-N31x
Processor N210, etc
Which might mandate Thunderbolt4 support 2H23/1Q24.
Also, here is the incomplete list of specs:
View attachment 74464