Intel Arc G3 EXTREME vs Intel Core 3 304 Comparison

The Verdict

The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME is the decisive winner in every recorded benchmark, taking all 17 head-to-head tests against the Intel Core 3 304. The average benchmark score of 36699 for the Arc G3 EXTREME places it at the 85th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 3 304 averages 13745 and sits at the 68th percentile. The Arc G3 EXTREME is the clear choice for any workload that benefits from additional cores or higher sustained throughput, as its 14 cores and 14 threads dwarf the Core 3 304's 5 cores and 5 threads.

The Core 3 304 does hold a narrow relevance for single-threaded tasks where power efficiency is prioritized. Its single-core Cinebench R23 score of 1765 trails the Arc G3 EXTREME's 1862 by only 5.5%, and its 15 W TDP is substantially lower than the 25 W TDP of the Arc G3 EXTREME. For mobile platforms where battery life and thermal headroom outweigh raw compute, the Core 3 304 remains a viable alternative, despite its significant multi-threaded deficit.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 3 nm process node and manufactured by Intel, but they diverge sharply in core configuration and memory architecture. The Arc G3 EXTREME, codenamed Panther Lake, uses 14 cores with 14 threads, while the Core 3 304, codenamed Wildcat Lake, uses only 5 cores with 5 threads. Neither processor supports simultaneous multithreading, so thread counts equal core counts in both cases.

The cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Arc G3 EXTREME provides 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 3 304 lists 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, but only 6 MB of shared L3 cache. This 12 MB difference in L3 capacity likely contributes to the Arc G3 EXTREME's superior performance in cache-sensitive workloads.

Memory support represents another major architectural split. The Arc G3 EXTREME uses LPDDR5X memory over a dual-channel bus, delivering 136.5 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The Core 3 304 supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X, but operates on a single-channel bus with only 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. The 76.8 GB/s gap in memory bandwidth is a critical factor in the performance differential, particularly for memory-bound tasks such as data compression and encryption.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The Arc G3 EXTREME provides Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the Core 3 304 provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics solutions are distinct as well: the Arc G3 EXTREME includes Arc B390 graphics, whereas the Core 3 304 includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and both target the mobile market segment.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Arc G3 EXTREME dominates across every single benchmark category, with margins ranging from a modest 1.1% to a massive 264.7%. The largest win comes in PassMark's find prime numbers test, where the Arc G3 EXTREME scores 248 against the Core 3 304's 68, a 264.7% advantage. This result indicates a massive difference in integer-heavy computational throughput, likely driven by the core count disparity and larger cache.

Multi-threaded Cinebench results show consistent 158% to 178% advantages. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Arc G3 EXTREME scores 2192 versus 849, a 158.2% delta. Cinebench R20 multicore shows 10945 versus 4160, a 163.1% delta. Cinebench R23 multicore delivers 14655 versus 5263, the largest multi-threaded margin at 178.5%. These results confirm that the Arc G3 EXTREME scales effectively across all 14 cores, while the Core 3 304's 5 cores limit its rendering throughput.

PassMark integer math favors the Arc G3 EXTREME by 188.8%, with scores of 71164 versus 24640. Floating point math shows a 192.5% advantage, scoring 86929 versus 29722. Data encryption is particularly lopsided at 180.9%, with 23881 versus 8501, reflecting both the core count difference and the memory bandwidth advantage. Data compression shows a 167.6% delta, scoring 307094 versus 114775.

Physics simulation results indicate a 189.7% advantage, with 2515 versus 868. Random string sorting favors the Arc G3 EXTREME by 173.3%, scoring 37331 versus 13659. Extended instructions show a 148% delta, scoring 24017 versus 9686.

The closest contest occurs in single-threaded workloads. Cinebench R15 singlecore shows 267 versus 264, a 1.1% delta. Cinebench R23 singlecore shows 1862 versus 1765, a 5.5% delta. PassMark single-thread shows 4293 versus 3614, an 18.8% delta. While the Arc G3 EXTREME wins all single-threaded tests, the smaller margins indicate that per-core efficiency is more comparable than the multi-threaded results suggest.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Arc G3 EXTREME | Intel Core 3 304 |

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

| Cores | 14 | 5 |

| Threads | 14 | 5 |

| Base Clock | 1.90 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 25 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2540 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Codename | Panther Lake | Wildcat Lake |

| L3 Cache | 18 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | LPDDR5X | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 136.5 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Arc B390 | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) |

| Release Date | 2026-05-27 | 2026-04-15 |

| Part Number | SA4R3 | SAE3K |

The Arc G3 EXTREME also carries a higher base clock of 1.90 GHz versus 1.50 GHz, and a higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz versus 4.30 GHz. The release dates differ by roughly six weeks, with the Core 3 304 launching on 2026-04-15 and the Arc G3 EXTREME on 2026-05-27.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME has 14 cores and 14 threads. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads. Neither processor supports simultaneous multithreading.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference between the two?

A: The Arc G3 EXTREME has an average benchmark score of 36699, while the Core 3 304 has an average of 13745. The Arc G3 EXTREME sits at the 85th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the Core 3 304's 68th percentile.

Q: How large is the largest single benchmark margin?

A: The largest margin is in PassMark's find prime numbers test, where the Arc G3 EXTREME scores 248 versus 68, a 264.7% advantage.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor support?

A: The Arc G3 EXTREME supports LPDDR5X over a dual-channel bus with 136.5 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The Arc G3 EXTREME has a TDP of 25 W. The Core 3 304 has a TDP of 15 W.

Q: How do the single-threaded Cinebench R23 scores compare?

A: The Arc G3 EXTREME scores 1862, while the Core 3 304 scores 1765, a 5.5% advantage for the Arc G3 EXTREME.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME wins in all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, making it the superior choice for essentially every measured workload. Its 14 cores, 18 MB of L3 cache, and 136.5 GB/s of memory bandwidth deliver overwhelming advantages in multi-threaded rendering, data compression, encryption, integer and floating point math, physics simulation, and random string sorting. The processor's 158.2% to 264.7% margins in these categories indicate that any workload that can utilize multiple cores will see dramatic performance gains with the Arc G3 EXTREME.

The Intel Core 3 304 does not win any benchmark category, but its 15 W TDP and single-channel memory configuration suggest a design focus on power efficiency rather than raw performance. Its single-threaded performance is respectable: the Cinebench R23 singlecore score of 1765 trails the Arc G3 EXTREME by only 5.5%, and the Cinebench R15 singlecore margin is just 1.1%. For mobile devices where thermal constraints and battery life are paramount, the Core 3 304's lower power draw may be preferable, even though its performance is substantially lower across the board.

The Arc G3 EXTREME's nearest rivals provide context for its standing. It trails the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 by 0.6%, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600F by 0.7%, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500X3D by 0.9%, and the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450 by 1.1% in average benchmark score. These sub-1.1% deltas indicate that the Arc G3 EXTREME competes at the upper edge of its performance class. The Core 3 304, by contrast, sits alongside the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX (0.3% behind), the Intel Core i7-8750H (0.9% behind), the Intel Core 5 120UL (1.1% ahead), and the AMD EPYC 7443 (1.4% behind). The Core 3 304's nearest rival comparison shows it performing in line with older high-end desktop and server processors, while the Arc G3 EXTREME matches modern mid-range desktop CPUs despite its mobile form factor.