AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 vs Intel Core i3-9100 Comparison

The Intel Core i3-9100 and AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 are both 4-core, 4-thread desktop processors with a 65 W TDP, but they diverge sharply in architecture and measured performance. In the database, the i3-9100 holds an average benchmark score of 1806 and sits at the 42nd percentile, while the Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 averages 1778 and sits at the 41st percentile. Despite the i3's slightly higher overall average, the head-to-head Cinebench results tell a different story: the Ryzen wins all six recorded tests.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head covers six Cinebench tests, and the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 wins every one. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Ryzen scores 619 against the i3's 566, a lead of 8.6%. The single-core test shows 87 vs 79, a 9.2% advantage. Moving to R20, multi-core results are 2582 vs 2361 (8.6% lead), and single-core 364 vs 333 (8.5% lead). In R23, multi-core is 6148 vs 5622 (8.6% lead), and single-core 868 vs 793 (8.6% lead). The consistency of the margin across all three Cinebench versions suggests a fundamental architectural advantage for the Ryzen, not a workload-specific quirk. Notably, the i3 has a higher boost clock (4.20 GHz vs 3.70 GHz) yet still trails in every single-core test, indicating that the Ryzen's per-clock efficiency is superior in these workloads. The i3 also has Geekbench scores (3403 multi-core, 1290 single-core) in the database, but those are not part of the head-to-head comparison, so they cannot be directly weighed against the Ryzen.

Architecture Differences

The i3-9100 is built on Intel's Coffee Lake architecture, a 14 nm process from Intel, with a die size of 126 mm². The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 uses AMD's Zen architecture, also 14 nm but fabricated by GlobalFoundries, with a much larger die at 213 mm² and 4,800 million transistors. The i3 has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, plus 6 MB shared L3. The Ryzen offers 96 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Memory bandwidth also favors the Ryzen: 42.7 GB/s vs 38.4 GB/s. The i3 includes UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics, while the Ryzen has none. The i3 uses Intel Socket 1151, the Ryzen uses AMD Socket AM4. The i3's multiplier is locked, the Ryzen's is unlocked. The i3 was released on 2018-08-31 and is end-of-life; the Ryzen released on 2017-06-28 and is still active. The i3 has a launch MSRP of $122; the Ryzen has no recorded launch MSRP. Both CPUs share 4 cores, 4 threads, a 65 W TDP, DDR4 support, dual-channel memory, ECC support, and the desktop market segment.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded head-to-head, the Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 wins all six Cinebench tests, with margins between 8.5% and 9.2%. This makes it the clear choice for Cinebench-style rendering workloads. However, the i3-9100 has a higher average benchmark score (1806 vs 1778) and a higher percentile (42 vs 41), suggesting that in the broader database, which includes Geekbench results, the i3 performs better on average. The i3 also has integrated graphics, which the Ryzen lacks, making it the only option for systems without a discrete GPU. The Ryzen counters with a larger L3 cache, higher memory bandwidth, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Additionally, the Ryzen is still in active production, while the i3 is end-of-life.

The Verdict

Which processor should you choose? The data points to a split decision. For pure Cinebench performance, the Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 is consistently ahead by about 8.6% across multi-core and single-core tests. For systems that need integrated graphics, the i3-9100 is the only candidate. For overclocking enthusiasts, the Ryzen's unlocked multiplier is a decisive advantage. The i3's higher average score in the database, driven by its Geekbench results, suggests it may be better in other applications, but those are not directly compared here. The Ryzen also offers more cache and memory bandwidth, and it remains in production. Ultimately, the Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 is the stronger performer in the measured Cinebench suite, while the i3-9100 holds an edge in overall average score and provides an iGPU.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has higher single-core performance in Cinebench?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 leads in all three Cinebench single-core tests: R15 (87 vs 79), R20 (364 vs 333), and R23 (868 vs 793), with margins from 8.5% to 9.2%.

Q: Which CPU has more L3 cache?

A: The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 has 8 MB shared L3, while the i3-9100 has 6 MB shared L3.

Q: Does the i3-9100 have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the i3-9100 includes Intel UHD Graphics 630. The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which CPU has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 has an unlocked multiplier, while the i3-9100 is locked.

Q: Which CPU has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 has 42.7 GB/s, compared to 38.4 GB/s for the i3-9100.

Q: Which CPU is still in production?

A: The Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 is listed as active, while the i3-9100 is end-of-life.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-9100 | AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 1300 |

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

| Base clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.20 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Zen |

| Codename | Coffee Lake | Zen |

| Generation | Core i3 (Coffee Lake Refresh) | Ryzen 3 (Zen (Summit Ridge)) |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | Not listed | 4,800 million |

| Die size | 126 mm² | 213 mm² |

| L1 cache | 64 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 256 KB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 6 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Not listed |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 630 | None |

| Production status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release date | 2018-08-31 | 2017-06-28 |

| Launch MSRP | $122 | Not listed |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part number | SRCZV | YD130BBBM4KAE |

| Average benchmark score | 1806 | 1778 |

| Percentile | 42 | 41 |