AMD Ryzen 3 2300U vs Intel Core i3-1000NG4 Comparison

Intel Core i3-1000NG4 and AMD Ryzen 3 2300U are both mobile processors that land in the same performance percentile, yet their benchmark results reveal two entirely different design philosophies. The data shows a clear split: AMD dominates in multi-threaded workloads while Intel counters with a decisive single-core advantage. Both CPUs sit at the 23rd percentile among all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores are nearly identical — 881 for Intel versus 880 for AMD — but the path each takes to reach that parity could not be more distinct. This comparison examines what those divergent results imply for real-world usage.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The only two benchmark tests shared by both processors tell a story of complete role reversal. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U scores 422.5, while the Intel Core i3-1000NG4 manages 301. That represents a 28.8% deficit for Intel in this test. The AMD part’s four physical cores provide a substantial advantage when the workload can use them all. For context, this multi-core win puts the Ryzen 3 2300U in a different performance class for threaded tasks, even though its overall average score is statistically tied with its rival.

The single-core Cinebench R15 result flips the script entirely. Intel’s Core i3-1000NG4 scores 141, while AMD’s Ryzen 3 2300U scores only 79. That is a 78.5% lead for Intel — a massive gap that highlights how much more efficient the Intel core is at processing single-threaded instructions. The Intel processor’s boost clock of 3.20 GHz is actually lower than AMD’s 3.40 GHz, yet Intel still wins by a wide margin. The data suggests architectural efficiency matters more than raw clock speed in this comparison.

These two results produce a 1-1 split in head-to-head wins. The absence of additional shared benchmarks means there is no direct comparison for Cinebench R20, R23, or Geekbench scores. The Intel chip has scores of 1255 in R20 multi-core and 2989 in R23 multi-core, plus 177 in R20 single-core and 422 in R23 single-core. The AMD chip has Geekbench scores of 2234 multi-core and 783 single-core. Without overlapping tests, these numbers cannot be directly compared, but they do show that Intel’s Cinebench single-core scaling is consistent — 141 in R15 to 177 in R20 to 422 in R23.

The average benchmark score of 881 for Intel and 880 for AMD places them within 0.1% of each other, confirming that for a broad mix of tasks, these are peers. The nearest rivals list reinforces this: both CPUs are surrounded by older desktop parts like the AMD Phenom II X6 1035T, the AMD Athlon Silver 7120U, and the Intel Core i7-930, all scoring between 880 and 882. The performance envelope is clearly defined at this tier, but the way each chip achieves it diverges sharply.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 is built on Intel’s 10 nm process node and uses the Ice Lake architecture, specifically the Ice Lake-Y codename with Sunny Cove cores. It has 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 1100.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. The chip draws just 9 watts TDP, which is remarkably low, and fits into the Intel BGA 1044 socket. Its die size is 123 mm², and it integrates Iris Plus graphics with 48 execution units.

The AMD Ryzen 3 2300U, in contrast, uses a 14 nm process from GlobalFoundries and is based on the Zen architecture with the Raven Ridge codename. It offers 4 cores and 4 threads, running at a base clock of 2000.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.40 GHz. Its TDP is 15 watts, and it uses the AMD Socket FP5. The die is significantly larger at 210 mm², and the chip packs 4,950 million transistors. Its integrated graphics are Radeon Vega 6.

Cache configurations differ as well. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 4 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD offers more L1 cache at 96 KB per core and doubles the L2 to 512 KB per core, but also has 4 MB of shared L3. The AMD chip’s larger caches per core suggest an attempt to compensate for its older process node, while Intel’s smaller caches rely on the efficiency of the newer 10 nm process.

Both CPUs support DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode and use PCIe Gen 3, but AMD specifies 8 lanes for the CPU only, while Intel simply lists Gen 3 without lane details. AMD also provides a memory bandwidth figure of 38.4 GB/s, while Intel does not list one. Neither chip supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers. The production status differs: Intel’s part is end-of-life while AMD’s is still active.

FAQ

Q: Why does the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U win multi-core benchmarks despite having a lower average score?

A: The Ryzen 3 2300U has 4 physical cores versus Intel’s 2, which directly boosts multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, AMD scores 422.5 versus Intel’s 301, a 28.8% advantage. However, its weaker single-core performance pulls its overall average down to 880, nearly matching Intel’s 881.

Q: How can Intel win single-core by such a large margin with a lower boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 boosts to 3.20 GHz while AMD reaches 3.40 GHz, yet Intel scores 141 versus AMD’s 79 in Cinebench R15 single-core — a 78.5% lead. The Ice Lake architecture’s 10 nm process and Sunny Cove cores deliver higher instructions per clock than AMD’s older 14 nm Zen design.

Q: Are these two CPUs in the same performance class?

A: The data says yes. Both sit at the 23rd percentile among all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores differ by only 1 point (881 for Intel, 880 for AMD). Their nearest rivals are also identical, with the AMD Phenom II X6 1035T and AMD Athlon Silver 7120U at 881 and the AMD PRO A12-8870E at 880.

Q: What impact does the TDP difference have on usage?

A: Intel’s chip draws only 9 watts versus AMD’s 15 watts. This implies the Intel part is better suited for fanless or ultra-thin designs, while AMD’s higher TDP suggests it may require more substantial cooling, though it delivers better multi-core performance.

Q: Which chip has more cache per core?

A: AMD offers more. The Ryzen 3 2300U has 96 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2 per core, while Intel provides 80 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core. Both have 4 MB of shared L3, but AMD’s larger per-core caches help mitigate its older process node.

Q: Are there any benchmark tests where both have scores?

A: Only two: Cinebench R15 multi-core and Cinebench R15 single-core. Intel’s other benchmarks are Cinebench R20 and R23 versions, while AMD’s are Geekbench tests. No direct comparison is possible for those, so the head-to-head record is exactly 1 win each.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. Intel has 2 cores and 4 threads, while AMD has 4 cores and 4 threads. Intel’s base clock is 1100.00 MHz versus AMD’s 2000.00 MHz, and AMD’s boost clock of 3.40 GHz edges out Intel’s 3.20 GHz. The TDP is a major split: 9 watts for Intel versus 15 watts for AMD.

The manufacturing process differs significantly: Intel uses 10 nm from its own foundry, while AMD uses 14 nm from GlobalFoundries. This results in different die sizes — 123 mm² for Intel and 210 mm² for AMD. AMD’s chip contains 4,950 million transistors, while Intel does not list a transistor count. The sockets are incompatible: Intel BGA 1044 versus AMD Socket FP5.

Cache hierarchies vary per core: Intel has 80 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, while AMD has 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core. Both share 4 MB of L3. Memory bandwidth is listed only for AMD at 38.4 GB/s. The integrated graphics differ — Intel uses Iris Plus with 48 execution units, AMD uses Radeon Vega 6. The release dates are far apart: Intel launched on 2020-03-17, AMD on 2018-01-07. Intel is end-of-life, AMD is active. Intel’s part number is SRGM9, AMD’s is YM2300C4T4MFB.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear choice based on workload type. The AMD Ryzen 3 2300U is the pick for multi-threaded tasks, as its 4-core design delivers a 28.8% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core. Its higher base clock of 2000 MHz and larger per-core caches support sustained throughput. For any application that can use four threads, AMD has the edge.

The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 is the pick for single-threaded responsiveness. Its 78.5% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core is enormous, and its 9-watt TDP makes it far more power-efficient. For everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, or light productivity where single-core speed dominates, Intel’s chip will feel snappier despite having fewer cores.

The average benchmark scores suggest that in a mixed workload, the two are effectively tied. Neither CPU has a meaningful overall advantage, so the decision comes down to specific application demands. Users who prioritize battery life and responsiveness in lightly threaded apps should lean Intel. Users who need parallel processing for rendering or compilation should lean AMD.

Where Each One Wins

Intel Core i3-1000NG4 wins in: single-core performance, where it leads by 78.5% in Cinebench R15. This translates to faster response in everyday applications that rely on one or two threads. Its 9-watt TDP makes it superior for ultra-portable devices where thermal limits are tight. The 10 nm process and smaller die size suggest better power efficiency per unit of work. The newer release date of 2020-03-17 also means it benefits from more recent architectural advancements.

AMD Ryzen 3 2300U wins in: multi-core performance, with a 28.8% advantage in Cinebench R15 multi-core. Its 4 physical cores handle parallel workloads more effectively. The higher base clock of 2000 MHz provides better sustained performance in threaded tasks. AMD’s larger per-core cache and explicit 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth indicate a design optimized for data-heavy operations. Its active production status means it remains a current option for new systems. The 15-watt TDP, while higher, allows for more aggressive performance in devices with active cooling.