Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core 7 251TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a decisive overall victory for the Intel Core 7 251TE, which claims 15 of the 17 recorded head-to-head wins. The Intel Core 3 304 manages only two wins, both in single-threaded PassMark testing. The magnitude of the Core 7 251TE's victories varies considerably by workload, with the largest gaps appearing in multi-core and integer-heavy tasks.

The most extreme disparity appears in PassMark integer math, where the Core 7 251TE scores 125739 against 24640 for the Core 3 304, a delta of -80.4% for the smaller part. Cinebench R23 multi-core follows a similar pattern: the Core 7 251TE posts 25518 versus 5263, a -79.4% difference. These two results indicate that the Core 7 251TE's advantage scales dramatically when the workload can utilize many threads and wide execution resources.

The Cinebench R20 multi-core test shows the Core 7 251TE at 10717 compared to 4160 for the Core 3 304, a -61.2% gap. The same -61.2% delta appears in Cinebench R20 single-core, where the Core 7 251TE scores 1512 and the Core 3 304 scores 587. This consistency across single and multi-core variants of the same test is notable, suggesting the single-core advantage is nearly as large as the multi-core advantage in that benchmark generation.

PassMark data compression shows the Core 7 251TE at 334399 versus 114775, a -65.7% delta. Data encryption follows at 22176 versus 8501, a -61.7% difference. Floating point math delivers 85607 for the Core 7 251TE against 29722, a -65.3% gap. Random string sorting shows 39643 versus 13659, a -65.5% delta. These PassMark sub-tests cluster tightly around the 60-66% range, indicating a uniform throughput advantage across memory and arithmetic operations.

The Core 7 251TE also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core with 2572 versus 849, a -67% delta, and Cinebench R15 single-core with 362 versus 264, a -27.1% gap. The smaller single-core delta in R15 compared to R20 or R23 suggests the newer Cinebench versions amplify the Core 7 251TE's architectural lead in single-threaded execution.

Other PassMark results favor the Core 7 251TE: extended instructions at 16974 versus 9686 (-42.9%), find prime numbers at 140 versus 68 (-51.4%), physics at 1938 versus 868 (-55.2%), and multithread at 30022 versus 11625 (-61.3%).

The only two wins for the Core 3 304 appear in PassMark single_thread and PassMark singlethread, which are duplicate test names with identical results. The Core 3 304 scores 3614 in both, while the Core 7 251TE scores 3568. The delta is +1.3% for the Core 3 304, a narrow margin. This suggests that in pure single-threaded integer throughput as measured by PassMark, the Core 3 304 holds a slight edge despite its lower boost clock. The Core 3 304 boosts to 4.30 GHz while the Core 7 251TE boosts to 5.40 GHz, so the PassMark result does not simply track clock speed.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel process nodes and codenames. The Core 3 304 uses Wildcat Lake silicon built on a 3 nm process, while the Core 7 251TE uses Bartlett Lake silicon on a 10 nm process. This process gap partially explains why the Core 3 304, despite far fewer cores, manages to edge out the Core 7 251TE in PassMark single-threaded testing.

Core counts differ substantially. The Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no hyper-threading or equivalent technology. The Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, giving it 8 additional threads beyond its core count. This thread advantage directly feeds the multi-core benchmark results, where the Core 7 251TE leads by 61% to 80% depending on the test.

Cache hierarchies diverge sharply. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The Core 7 251TE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The larger shared L3 on the Core 7 251TE, 36 MB versus 6 MB, provides six times the capacity for frequently accessed data, which supports the data compression and random string sorting results.

Memory support differs in both type and channel configuration. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel memory bus, delivering 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core 7 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus, delivering 89.6 GB/s. The Core 7 251TE also supports ECC memory while the Core 3 304 does not. The memory bandwidth difference of roughly 50% aligns with the multithread and physics test gaps.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation and lane count. The Core 3 304 provides PCIe Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes. The Core 7 251TE provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. This positions the Core 7 251TE for higher-throughput peripheral connectivity.

Integrated graphics also differ. The Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe unit. The Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The benchmarks recorded do not include graphics tests, so no performance comparison is possible from the data.

Package and socket differences exist as well. The Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516, a mobile socket, while the Core 7 251TE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop socket. The Core 3 304 has a 15 W TDP and targets the mobile segment. The Core 7 251TE has a 45 W TDP and targets the desktop segment. The die size is recorded only for the Core 7 251TE at 215 mm²; no die size is listed for the Core 3 304.

Release timing favors the Core 7 251TE, which has a release date in January 2025. The Core 3 304 has a release date in April 2026. Both processors remain in active production. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE wins 15 of 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks. The Intel Core 3 304 wins 2, both being the same PassMark single-threaded test listed under two names.

Q: What is the largest single benchmark gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in PassMark integer math, where the Core 7 251TE scores 125739 against 24640 for the Core 3 304, a delta of -80.4% for the Core 3 304.

Q: In which test does the Core 3 304 beat the Core 7 251TE?

A: The Core 3 304 beats the Core 7 251TE in PassMark single_thread and PassMark singlethread, scoring 3614 versus 3568, a +1.3% advantage. These are the same test recorded twice with identical scores.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: The Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads. The Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads, meaning the Core 7 251TE supports 8 additional threads beyond its core count while the Core 3 304 has no extra threads.

Q: Do the processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 7 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Core 7 251TE also supports ECC memory; the Core 3 304 does not.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The Core 3 304 uses a 3 nm process node from Intel. The Core 7 251TE uses a 10 nm process node from Intel.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. Core count: 5 for the Core 3 304 versus 24 for the Core 7 251TE. Thread count: 5 versus 32. Base clock: 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 304 versus 1.40 GHz for the Core 7 251TE. Boost clock: 4.30 GHz versus 5.40 GHz. TDP: 15 W versus 45 W.

Socket types differ: Intel BGA 1516 for the Core 3 304, Intel Socket 1700 for the Core 7 251TE. Codename and process node differ: Wildcat Lake on 3 nm versus Bartlett Lake on 10 nm. The die size for the Core 7 251TE is 215 mm²; no die size is recorded for the Core 3 304.

Cache configurations differ. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Core 7 251TE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3. Memory support differs: the Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the Core 7 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bus width differs: single-channel versus dual-channel. Memory bandwidth differs: 59.7 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s. ECC support differs: false for the Core 3 304, true for the Core 7 251TE.

PCIe specifications differ: Gen 4 with 6 lanes for the Core 3 304, Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the Core 7 251TE. Integrated graphics differ: Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) versus UHD Graphics 770. Market segment differs: Mobile versus Desktop. Release dates differ: April 2026 for the Core 3 304, January 2025 for the Core 7 251TE. Launch MSRP differs: $309 for the Core 3 304, $384 for the Core 7 251TE. Part numbers differ: SAE3K versus SRQAXQ5ZG.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 7 251TE wins across essentially all multi-threaded and throughput-oriented workloads. Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests all favor the Core 7 251TE by margins from -61.2% to -79.4%. PassMark multithread shows a -61.3% gap. Data compression, encryption, floating point math, integer math, physics, prime number finding, random string sorting, and extended instructions all favor the Core 7 251TE with deltas ranging from -42.9% to -80.4%.

The Core 7 251TE also wins every recorded single-core Cinebench test, with deltas of -27.1% in R15 single-core, -61.2% in R20 single-core, and -51% in R23 single-core. This indicates that its architectural advantages extend beyond raw thread count. The higher 5.40 GHz boost clock and larger 36 MB shared L3 likely contribute to these single-core wins.

The Intel Core 3 304 wins only the PassMark single-threaded test, with a +1.3% margin over the Core 7 251TE. This narrow victory suggests that the Core 3 304's 3 nm process node and newer Wildcat Lake architecture deliver slightly better single-threaded integer performance in that specific PassMark workload. The Core 3 304 achieves this despite a lower 4.30 GHz boost clock and a much smaller 6 MB shared L3 cache.

For workloads that depend on single-threaded PassMark-style integer execution, the Core 3 304 holds a marginal edge. For everything else, the Core 7 251TE delivers substantially higher recorded performance. The Core 7 251TE's average benchmark score of 41650 places it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, while the Core 3 304's average of 13745 places it in the 68th percentile. The nearest rival data confirms the Core 7 251TE sits alongside Intel Core Ultra 7 265H and Intel Core i7-14650HX, with average score deltas of +0.1% and +0.2% respectively. The Core 3 304 sits within 1.4% of AMD EPYC 7443, AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX, Intel Core i7-8750H, and Intel Core 5 120UL.

The Core 3 304's wins are limited to one specific test, but that test measures a common workload: single-threaded integer operations. Systems running such workloads may see a small benefit from the Core 3 304. Systems running multi-threaded rendering, data compression, encryption, or physics simulations will see far larger benefits from the Core 7 251TE. The recorded data does not include power consumption measurements, so efficiency comparisons cannot be drawn from these benchmarks.