AMD Ryzen 3 3100U vs Intel Core 3 304 Comparison

The Verdict

The data in this comparison is unambiguous. The Intel Core 3 304 wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head set, 11 wins to 0 for the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U. The recorded measurements show the Intel part delivers an average benchmark score of 13745, more than double the AMD chip's 6247 average. The Intel Core 3 304 sits at the 68th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Ryzen 3 3100U lands at the 62nd percentile.

The Ryzen 3 3100U is a 2-core, 2-thread mobile processor built on the older Picasso architecture. Its single-thread score of 1592 and multithread score of 3348 place it in a different performance class entirely. The Intel Core 3 304, with 5 cores and 5 threads, delivers a single-thread score of 3614 and a multithread score of 11625. For any workload that benefits from more cores or higher clock speeds, the Intel part is the clear choice.

The Ryzen 3 3100U's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X (0.3% ahead) and the AMD EPYC 7272 (1% ahead), which shows how tightly clustered its average score is around the 6247 mark. The Intel Core 3 304, meanwhile, trades blows with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX (0.3% behind) and the Intel Core i7-8750H (0.9% behind). This puts the Intel chip in company with much more powerful desktop and workstation processors.

If the choice is between these two for a mobile system, the Intel Core 3 304 is the only sensible pick based on the benchmark data. The Ryzen 3 3100U might still be relevant for very low-cost systems where its 15 W TDP and older platform are acceptable, but the performance gap is so large that the Intel chip dominates across every measured category.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design eras. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U uses the Picasso codename, built on the Zen+ architecture at GlobalFoundries' 12 nm process node. The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename, built on a 3 nm process node at Intel's own foundry. This process node difference is significant: the Intel chip uses a far more advanced manufacturing process, which contributes to its higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz versus the AMD part's 3.20 GHz boost.

Core counts differ substantially. The Ryzen 3 3100U has 2 cores and 2 threads, with no simultaneous multithreading. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads. This means the Intel chip has 2.5 times the physical core count and the same thread count advantage. The base clocks also differ: the AMD chip runs at 1.90 GHz base, while the Intel chip runs at 1.50 GHz base, though the Intel part's much higher boost clock compensates.

Cache hierarchies are structured differently. The Ryzen 3 3100U has 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3. The Intel Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Intel chip has more total cache at every level, which helps with data-heavy workloads.

Memory support differs in both type and configuration. The AMD part uses DDR4 with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel chip uses DDR5 and LPDDR5X with single-channel memory, but its bandwidth is higher at 59.7 GB/s. The Intel part also supports PCIe Gen 4 with 6 lanes for CPU-only connections, while the AMD chip uses PCIe Gen 3. Neither supports ECC memory.

Integrated graphics differ. The Ryzen 3 3100U uses Radeon Vega 8 graphics, while the Intel Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The database does not include graphics benchmark scores, so a direct comparison is not possible from the recorded data.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 3 304 wins in every benchmark category recorded in the database. There is no workload category where the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U posts a higher score. The closest margin for the AMD chip is in single-thread performance, where the Intel part leads by 55.9%. The largest margin is in floating point math, where the Intel chip leads by 80.3%.

For single-threaded tasks, the Intel Core 3 304's boost clock of 4.30 GHz gives it a clear advantage. Its single-thread score of 3614 versus the AMD chip's 1592 shows a 55.9% lead. This matters for everyday responsiveness, older software that relies on one core, and lightly threaded applications.

For multithreaded workloads, the Intel chip's 5 cores versus 2 cores shows an even larger gap. The multithread score of 11625 versus 3348 represents a 71.2% lead. Data compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, integer math, physics, and random string sorting all favor the Intel chip by margins between 64% and 78.2%.

The Ryzen 3 3100U does not have a single benchmark win in the database. Its only advantage is qualitative: it uses the AMD Socket FP5 platform, which may be relevant for existing AMD-based systems, and its 12 nm process node is older but potentially more mature. The database shows no performance category where the AMD chip comes out ahead.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 has an average benchmark score of 13745, while the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U has an average score of 6247. The Intel chip sits at the 68th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the AMD chip's 62nd percentile.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U has 2 cores and 2 threads. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads. The Intel chip has 2.5 times the core count and thread count of the AMD chip.

Q: What is the boost clock difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U boosts up to 3.20 GHz, while the Intel Core 3 304 boosts up to 4.30 GHz. The Intel chip has a 1.10 GHz higher boost clock, which contributes to its single-thread performance advantage.

Q: Which memory types does each processor support?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U supports DDR4 memory. The Intel Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory. The Intel chip also has higher memory bandwidth at 59.7 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s for the AMD chip.

Q: What is the largest benchmark margin in the head-to-head comparison?

A: The largest margin is in floating point math, where the Intel Core 3 304 leads by 80.3%. The Intel chip scores 29722 versus 5854 for the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U.

Q: What is the smallest benchmark margin in the head-to-head comparison?

A: The smallest margin is in single-thread performance, where the Intel Core 3 304 leads by 55.9%. The Intel chip scores 3614 versus 1592 for the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark set contains 11 tests, all from the PassMark suite. The Intel Core 3 304 wins all 11. The following breakdown shows the exact scores and margins.

In data compression, the Intel chip scores 114775 against the AMD chip's 38455, a 66.5% lead. This is one of the larger gaps and indicates a substantial advantage in handling compressed data streams.

Data encryption shows an even bigger margin. The Intel chip scores 8501 versus 1972 for the AMD chip, a 76.8% lead. Encryption workloads benefit from the Intel chip's higher core count and newer architecture.

Extended instructions produce a score of 9686 for the Intel chip against 2116 for the AMD chip, a 78.2% lead. This category covers SIMD and other extended instruction set usage, where the Intel chip's modern design shows clear dominance.

Prime number finding gives the Intel chip a score of 68 versus 18 for the AMD chip, a 73.5% lead. This is an integer-heavy workload that scales with core count and clock speed.

Floating point math is the largest margin. The Intel chip scores 29722 versus 5854, an 80.3% lead. This test measures FPU performance, and the Intel chip's advantage here is pronounced.

Integer math shows a 64% lead. The Intel chip scores 24640 versus 8873. This is the smallest margin among the compute-heavy tests but still a decisive win.

Multithread performance gives the Intel chip a score of 11625 versus 3348, a 71.2% lead. This reflects the 5-core versus 2-core configuration and the Intel chip's ability to handle parallel workloads.

Physics simulation scores 868 for the Intel chip versus 232 for the AMD chip, a 73.3% lead. This test is often correlated with gaming physics performance, though the database does not include gaming benchmarks.

Random string sorting shows the Intel chip scoring 13659 versus 4666, a 65.8% lead. This test measures sorting algorithms, which benefit from cache size and memory bandwidth.

Single-thread performance is the closest category. The Intel chip scores 3614 versus 1592, a 55.9% lead. This is still a massive advantage in everyday tasks that rely on a single core.

The same single-thread score appears twice in the database under slightly different test names, with identical results. The Intel chip leads by 55.9% in both entries.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every specification field recorded in the database.

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 3 3100U | Intel Core 3 304 |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 2 | 5 |

| Threads | 2 | 5 |

| Base Clock | 1.90 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.20 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP5 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Codename | Picasso | Wildcat Lake |

| Process Node | 12 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 192 KB |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 2.5 MB |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | No |

| PCIe | Gen 3 | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Mobile |

| Production Status | Active | Active |

| Release Date | 2026-05-31 | 2026-04-15 |

| Launch MSRP | N/A | $309 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

Both processors have a 15 W TDP, making them suitable for similar thermal envelopes in mobile systems. The AMD chip has a higher base clock by 0.40 GHz, but the Intel chip's boost clock is 1.10 GHz higher. The Intel chip uses a newer process node at 3 nm versus 12 nm, which explains its higher performance at the same TDP.

The cache configurations are not directly comparable. The AMD chip lists per-core L1 and L2 sizes, while the Intel chip lists total L1 and L2 sizes. The Intel chip has more L3 cache at 6 MB versus 4 MB. The memory bandwidth difference is notable: the Intel chip has 59.7 GB/s despite using single-channel memory, while the AMD chip has 38.4 GB/s with dual-channel memory.

The Intel chip supports newer memory standards (DDR5 and LPDDR5X) and PCIe Gen 4. The AMD chip uses DDR4 and PCIe Gen 3. The Intel chip has a launch MSRP of $309, while the AMD chip has no recorded launch MSRP in the database. Both chips are marked as active production, with the Intel chip released about six weeks earlier (2026-04-15 versus 2026-05-31).