Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core 9 273PE Comparison

The Intel Core 3 304 and Intel Core 9 273PE represent two distinct extremes in Intel’s current mobile and desktop lineups. The data shows a complete sweep for the Core 9 273PE across all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, yet the nature of those victories varies dramatically between single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The Core 3 304, a 5-core, 5-thread Wildcat Lake part, is built for efficiency, while the Core 9 273PE, a 12-core, 24-thread Bartlett Lake processor, is a desktop powerhouse. This analysis breaks down where each processor wins, the architectural gulf between them, and what the benchmark scores imply for real-world usage.

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data is unambiguous: the Intel Core 9 273PE wins every single benchmark in the comparison set. The Intel Core 3 304 records zero wins across all 17 tests. However, the margin of victory tells a more nuanced story. In single-threaded workloads, the Core 9 273PE’s advantage is modest, while in multi-threaded and heavily parallel workloads, the gap becomes enormous.

The Core 3 304’s closest performance parity appears in the PassMark single-thread test, where it scores 3614 against the Core 9 273PE’s 3650, a delta of only -1%. This near-tie indicates that for lightly threaded applications, such as basic office tasks or web browsing, the two processors are functionally equivalent. The Core 3 304’s 4.30 GHz boost clock, while lower than the Core 9 273PE’s 5.70 GHz, still delivers competitive per-core performance.

The Core 9 273PE dominates in every multi-threaded category. Its largest advantage comes in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where it scores 31288 against the Core 3 304’s 5263, a -83.2% delta. Similarly, in PassMark integer math, the Core 9 273PE scores 139410 versus 24640, a -82.3% delta. These results indicate the Core 9 273PE is the clear choice for rendering, video encoding, scientific computation, and any workload that scales across cores. The Core 3 304, with only 5 threads, cannot compete in these scenarios.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial. The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and is built on a 3 nm process node, while the Intel Core 9 273PE uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm node. The process node difference is notable: the Core 3 304’s 3 nm process allows for greater power efficiency, which aligns with its 15 W TDP and mobile market segment. The Core 9 273PE’s 10 nm process, combined with a 65 W TDP, prioritizes performance over efficiency.

Core counts differ sharply. The Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no hyper-threading, while the Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads, indicating simultaneous multi-threading. The Core 9 273PE also features a significantly larger cache hierarchy: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3.

Memory architecture also diverges. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory over a single-channel bus, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. The Core 9 273PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, with a higher memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The Core 9 273PE also supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Core 3 304. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the Core 3 304 provides Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the Core 9 273PE provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite reveals the scale of the Core 9 273PE’s multi-core superiority. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Core 9 273PE scores 3153 against the Core 3 304’s 849, a -73.1% delta. In R20 multi-core, the scores are 13140 versus 4160, a -68.3% delta. The R23 multi-core test shows the largest gap at -83.2%, with scores of 31288 and 5263 respectively. These results confirm that the Core 9 273PE’s 24 threads deliver roughly three to six times the multi-threaded throughput of the Core 3 304’s 5 threads.

Single-core Cinebench results show a narrower but still significant gap. In R15 single-core, the Core 9 273PE scores 445 versus 264, a -40.7% delta. In R20 single-core, the scores are 1855 versus 587, a -68.4% delta. The R23 single-core test shows 4417 versus 1765, a -60% delta. These figures indicate that the Core 9 273PE’s higher boost clock and newer architecture deliver substantially better per-core performance in Cinebench, even though the PassMark single-thread test shows only a 1% difference.

The PassMark suite reinforces the multi-threaded pattern. Data compression scores are 405885 for the Core 9 273PE versus 114775 for the Core 3 304, a -71.7% delta. Data encryption shows 22719 versus 8501, a -62.6% delta. Floating point math scores are 107884 versus 29722, a -72.5% delta. Physics simulation shows 3120 versus 868, a -72.2% delta. Random string sorting scores are 45098 versus 13659, a -69.7% delta. The extended instructions test shows 24630 versus 9686, a -60.7% delta. Prime number finding shows 203 versus 68, a -66.5% delta. The multithread score is 36810 versus 11625, a -68.4% delta.

The only near-parity result is the PassMark single-thread test, where the Core 9 273PE edges out the Core 3 304 by just 36 points, 3650 versus 3614, a -1% delta. This suggests that for everyday single-threaded tasks, the Core 3 304 is competitive, but its lack of cores and threads makes it unsuitable for heavy parallel workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field. The Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, while the Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads. Base clocks are 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 304 and 2.30 GHz for the Core 9 273PE. Boost clocks are 4.30 GHz and 5.70 GHz respectively. TDP ratings are 15 W for the Core 3 304 and 65 W for the Core 9 273PE.

Socket compatibility diverges: the Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516, a soldered mobile socket, while the Core 9 273PE uses Intel Socket 1700, a desktop LGA socket. The Core 3 304 is built on a 3 nm process, while the Core 9 273PE uses a 10 nm process. Cache configurations differ: 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3 for the Core 3 304, versus 80 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB shared L3 for the Core 9 273PE.

Memory support differs: the Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, while the Core 9 273PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported only on the Core 9 273PE. PCIe capabilities differ: the Core 3 304 has Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the Core 9 273PE has Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics also differ: the Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, while the Core 9 273PE uses UHD Graphics 730.

The market segments differ as well: the Core 3 304 is a mobile processor, while the Core 9 273PE is a desktop processor. Release dates are close, with the Core 9 273PE released on 2026-03-08 and the Core 3 304 on 2026-04-15. Both processors have locked multipliers and are currently active in production.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PE has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads.

Q: How large is the multi-core performance gap in Cinebench R23?

A: The Core 9 273PE scores 31288 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, compared to the Core 3 304’s 5263, a -83.2% delta.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the two processors are close?

A: Yes, the PassMark single-thread test shows only a -1% delta, with the Core 9 273PE scoring 3650 and the Core 3 304 scoring 3614.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel bus. The Core 9 273PE supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus.

Q: Does the Core 3 304 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is supported only on the Core 9 273PE.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The Core 3 304 is built on a 3 nm process, while the Core 9 273PE uses a 10 nm process.

The Verdict

The data positions these processors for entirely different use cases. The Intel Core 9 273PE is the superior performer in every recorded benchmark, with an average benchmark score of 49845 against the Core 3 304’s 13745. It sits in the 90th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the Core 3 304’s 68th percentile. The Core 9 273PE’s nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 at a 0.1% delta and the Intel Core i5-14600KF at a 0.9% delta, placing it in strong company for desktop performance.

The Intel Core 3 304, with its 15 W TDP and 3 nm process, is designed for efficient mobile operation. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX at a -0.3% delta and the Intel Core 5 120UL at a 1.1% delta. For users who prioritize battery life, portability, and adequate single-threaded performance for everyday tasks, the Core 3 304 delivers. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3614 is nearly identical to the Core 9 273PE’s 3650, confirming that it handles light workloads without issue.

For users who need multi-threaded performance for content creation, scientific computing, or heavy multitasking, the Core 9 273PE is the only choice. Its 24 threads, 36 MB of L3 cache, dual-channel memory, and Gen 5 PCIe support make it a far more capable platform. The 65 W TDP and desktop socket indicate it is meant for systems where power draw is less of a concern. The benchmark data is decisive: the Core 9 273PE wins all 17 head-to-head comparisons, and its margins in multi-threaded tests are often greater than 70%. The Core 3 304 is a capable mobile processor, but it cannot match the Core 9 273PE’s raw compute throughput.