Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core 9 273PQE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive sweep for the Intel Core 9 273PQE, winning all 17 recorded comparisons against the Intel Core 3 304. The largest margin appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Core 9 273PQE scores 39,190 against 5,263 for the Core 3 304, a delta of -86.6% from the perspective of the smaller chip. That means the Core 9 273PQE delivers over seven times the multi-threaded rendering performance in that specific test.

The single-core gap is narrower but still substantial. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Core 9 273PQE posts 5,532 versus 1,765, a -68.1% delta. Cinebench R20 single-core shows a similar pattern: 2,323 against 587, a -74.7% delta. The Core 9 273PQE also leads in PassMark single-thread scoring at 4,573 versus 3,614, a -21% delta, which is the closest margin in the entire head-to-head set.

Integer math is another area of dramatic separation. The Core 9 273PQE scores 164,629 in PassMark integer math, while the Core 3 304 manages 24,640, a -85% delta. Floating-point math follows with 125,546 against 29,722, a -76.3% delta. Data compression shows 585,752 for the Core 9 273PQE versus 114,775 for the Core 3 304, a -80.4% delta, while data encryption records 29,636 versus 8,501, a -71.3% delta.

The multi-thread PassMark score tells a similar story: 46,107 for the Core 9 273PQE, 11,625 for the Core 3 304, a -74.8% delta. Physics simulation, random string sorting, extended instructions, and prime number finding all favor the Core 9 273PQE by deltas ranging from -65.7% to -75%. The average benchmark score for the Core 9 273PQE sits at 66,099, placing it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 3 304 averages 13,745, which lands in the 68th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel families with fundamentally different designs. The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename and is built on a 3 nm process node. It has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no hyper-threading. Its base clock is 1.50 GHz with a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The Core 3 304 targets the mobile segment and uses the Intel BGA 1516 socket.

The Intel Core 9 273PQE uses the Bartlett Lake codename and is built on a 10 nm process node. It has 12 cores and 24 threads, indicating hyper-threading is enabled. Its base clock is 3.40 GHz with a boost clock of 5.90 GHz. This chip targets the desktop segment and uses the Intel Socket 1700.

Cache configurations differ sharply. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core 9 273PQE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The per-core L2 allocation on the Core 9 273PQE is substantial, and the total L3 pool is six times larger than the Core 3 304's shared pool.

Memory support also diverges. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory through a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core 9 273PQE supports DDR4 and DDR5 through a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core 3 304 does not support ECC memory, while the Core 9 273PQE does.

PCIe capability differs as well. The Core 3 304 provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes from the CPU. The Core 9 273PQE provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are also distinct: the Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe unit, while the Core 9 273PQE uses UHD Graphics 770.

Power envelopes are not directly comparable because one is a mobile chip and the other is a desktop chip, but the recorded TDP values are 15 for the Core 3 304 and 125 for the Core 9 273PQE. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The recorded data shows the Intel Core 9 273PQE winning every benchmark in the head-to-head set, so the use-case split is heavily skewed. The Core 9 273PQE is the clear choice for multi-threaded workloads such as video rendering, 3D modeling, and scientific computation. Cinebench R23 multi-core at 39,190 demonstrates its capacity for heavily parallel tasks. The 12 cores and 24 threads, combined with a 5.90 GHz boost clock, allow it to maintain high throughput across many simultaneous operations.

The Core 9 273PQE also dominates single-threaded tasks. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 5,532 and PassMark single-thread score of 4,573 indicate strong per-core performance. Applications that depend on a single thread, such as legacy software or certain database operations, will benefit from the high boost clock. The dual-channel memory bus and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth further support memory-intensive workloads.

The Core 3 304, while losing every benchmark, has its own niche based on platform characteristics rather than raw performance. Its 15 TDP and mobile socket make it suitable for thin-and-light laptops where thermal and power constraints are tight. The 3 nm process node suggests efficient operation, and the single-channel memory bus with 59.7 GB/s is adequate for everyday productivity tasks. The integrated Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe unit provides a baseline display output without requiring a discrete GPU.

The Core 3 304's 5 cores and 5 threads are sufficient for basic multitasking, web browsing, and office applications. Its 68th percentile ranking among all CPUs indicates it outperforms a majority of recorded processors, even if it falls far short of the Core 9 273PQE's 93rd percentile. The Core 3 304 also supports LPDDR5X memory, which is a mobile-focused advantage for low-power operation.

For users with heavy compute demands, the Core 9 273PQE is the only option between these two. For users prioritizing portability and low power draw, the Core 3 304 delivers adequate performance in a mobile form factor.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speeds?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE boosts to 5.90 GHz, while the Intel Core 3 304 boosts to 4.30 GHz.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 304 does not.

Q: How do the Cinebench R23 multi-core scores compare?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE scores 39,190, while the Intel Core 3 304 scores 5,263. This is a -86.6% delta for the Core 3 304.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Intel Core 9 273PQE supports DDR4 and DDR5.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE has an average benchmark score of 66,099. The Intel Core 3 304 has an average benchmark score of 13,745.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 304 | Intel Core 9 273PQE |

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

| Cores | 5 | 12 |

| Threads | 5 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 1.50 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 5.90 GHz |

| TDP | 15 | 125 |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Bartlett Lake |

| Process Node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

| L1 Cache | 192 KB | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5 |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | false | true |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 6 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2026-04-15 | 2026-03-08 |

| Launch MSRP | $309 | $589 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | false | false |

| Part Number | SAE3K | SA4Q9 |

The process node difference is notable: the Core 3 304 uses 3 nm technology, while the Core 9 273PQE uses 10 nm. The Core 9 273PQE compensates with a much higher core count, larger cache hierarchy, and faster clock speeds. The Core 3 304's mobile design prioritizes efficiency, while the Core 9 273PQE's desktop design prioritizes raw throughput. The launch MSRP difference is $309 versus $589, reflecting the performance gap recorded in the benchmarks.