CPU Comparison

The data presents a clear split between two current-generation Intel processors from different market segments. The Intel Core 3 304 is a 5-core mobile processor built on a 3 nm process, while the Intel Core i3-12100F is a 4-core/8-thread desktop chip from the Alder Lake generation on a 10 nm node. Benchmark results show the desktop chip winning the majority of head-to-head tests (11 wins versus 6), but the mobile chip takes a decisive lead in several single-threaded workloads. Both processors land at the 68th percentile among all CPUs, with nearly identical average benchmark scores (13745 for the Core 3, 13494 for the i3). The Core 3 304 carries a launch MSRP of $309, while the i3-12100F has a launch MSRP of $97. These are different tools for different jobs, and the benchmark data outlines exactly where each one excels.

The Verdict

The benchmark data indicates two distinct use cases. The Intel Core i3-12100F is the clear choice for multi-threaded desktop workloads. It wins the Cinebench R23 multi-core test by a massive 55.6% margin (11860 versus 5263), and it leads by 39.9% in PassMark integer math (40978 versus 24640). For users running heavily threaded applications like video encoding, 3D rendering, or scientific computing, the i3-12100F delivers substantially higher throughput.

The Intel Core 3 304 wins the single-thread performance crown in several key tests. It beats the i3-12100F by 57.1% in Cinebench R15 single-core (264 versus 168), by 5.4% in Cinebench R23 single-core (1765 versus 1674), and by 4.9% in PassMark single-thread (3614 versus 3444). This makes it the better pick for lightly threaded tasks, particularly in a mobile form factor where its 15 W TDP and integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics provide capabilities the i3-12100F lacks.

The average benchmark scores tell a story of near-parity overall. The Core 3 304 averages 13745, which is 0.3% behind the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX (13786) and 1.1% ahead of the Intel Core 5 120UL (13594). The i3-12100F averages 13494, sitting 0.3% ahead of the Intel Core i5-9500 (13452) and 1.1% behind the Intel Core 7-1250U (13351). When the dust settles, the i3-12100F offers superior multi-core performance at a lower launch MSRP, while the Core 3 304 provides better single-core speed and a more efficient mobile package.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-12100F dominates in multi-core and throughput-oriented benchmarks. Its Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 4981 beats the Core 3 304's 4160 by 16.5%. The PassMark multithread test shows a 17.1% lead (14015 versus 11625). Data compression favors the i3-12100F heavily: 160452 versus 114775, a 28.5% advantage. Integer math is the largest single win for the desktop chip at 39.9% (40978 versus 24640). The i3-12100F also wins in floating-point math (31977 versus 29722, a 7.1% edge), extended instructions (10842 versus 9686, a 10.7% lead), physics (985 versus 868, an 11.9% margin), and random string sorting (15809 versus 13659, a 13.6% advantage).

The Intel Core 3 304 wins the single-thread battles. Its Cinebench R15 single-core score of 264 is a staggering 57.1% higher than the i3-12100F's 168. The Cinebench R23 single-core result shows a more modest 5.4% lead (1765 versus 1674). PassMark single-thread tests give the Core 3 a 4.9% edge (3614 versus 3444). The mobile chip also wins in data encryption (8501 versus 8071, a 5.3% advantage) and find prime numbers (68 versus 60, a 13.3% lead). These wins indicate superior per-core efficiency, likely attributable to the newer 3 nm process node.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and target different market segments. The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename with a 3 nm process node and is classified as a Mobile processor. It has 5 cores and 5 threads, indicating no hyper-threading for its single performance core type. The processor features 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. It supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory through a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. The Core 3 304 includes integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, making it self-sufficient for display output without a discrete GPU.

The Intel Core i3-12100F belongs to the Alder Lake-S architecture on a 10 nm process. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, utilizing hyper-threading to double its thread count. The cache structure differs significantly: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. This processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory through a dual-channel bus, though its memory bandwidth is not listed in the data. It has no integrated graphics, as indicated by the "F" suffix. The i3-12100F uses the Intel Socket 1700 and has a die size of 163 mm². Both processors have locked multipliers, no ECC memory support, and are actively in production. The Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516 with 6 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, while the i3-12100F uses 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 wins the majority of single-threaded tests. It leads by 57.1% in Cinebench R15 single-core (264 versus 168), by 5.4% in Cinebench R23 single-core (1765 versus 1674), and by 4.9% in PassMark single-thread (3614 versus 3444). The only single-core test the i3-12100F wins is Cinebench R20, where it scores 703 versus 587 (a 16.5% advantage).

Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100F is clearly superior in multi-core workloads. It wins Cinebench R23 multi-core by 55.6% (11860 versus 5263), PassMark multithread by 17.1% (14015 versus 11625), and Cinebench R15 multi-core by 29% (1195 versus 849). The i3-12100F's 8 threads versus the Core 3 304's 5 threads provide a significant advantage in parallel workloads.

Q: What are the memory support differences?

A: The Core 3 304 supports only DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory via a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i3-12100F supports both DDR4 and DDR5 through a dual-channel bus, though its memory bandwidth is not listed. The dual-channel support on the desktop chip offers potentially higher memory throughput.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, making it suitable for systems without a discrete GPU. The Intel Core i3-12100F has no integrated graphics, requiring a separate graphics card for any display output.

Q: Which processor has a higher thread count?

A: The Intel Core i3-12100F has 8 threads from 4 cores using hyper-threading. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 threads from 5 cores, indicating no hyper-threading support. This gives the i3-12100F a 60% higher thread count despite having one fewer physical core.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The Core 3 304 has an average benchmark score of 13745, slightly higher than the i3-12100F's 13494. Both sit at the 68th percentile of all CPUs. The Core 3 304's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX (13786, a 0.3% difference), while the i3-12100F's closest competitor is the Intel Core 3 N355 (13492, a 0% difference).

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest margin in the entire comparison belongs to the Intel Core 3 304 in Cinebench R15 single-core. Its score of 264 versus 168 represents a 57.1% advantage. This is a remarkable result for a mobile processor and suggests exceptional single-thread efficiency from the 3 nm Wildcat Lake architecture. The next largest win for the Core 3 304 is in PassMark find prime numbers (68 versus 60, a 13.3% margin), followed by data encryption (8501 versus 8071, a 5.3% edge) and Cinebench R23 single-core (1765 versus 1674, a 5.4% lead). The PassMark single-thread tests show a 4.9% advantage (3614 versus 3444).

The Intel Core i3-12100F counters with overwhelming multi-core victories. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 11860 crushes the Core 3 304's 5263 by 55.6%. Integer math shows a 39.9% gap (40978 versus 24640), and data compression delivers a 28.5% advantage (160452 versus 114775). The i3-12100F wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 29% (1195 versus 849), PassMark multithread by 17.1% (14015 versus 11625), and Cinebench R20 multi-core by 16.5% (4981 versus 4160). Other wins include Cinebench R20 single-core by 16.5% (703 versus 587), random string sorting by 13.6% (15809 versus 13659), physics by 11.9% (985 versus 868), extended instructions by 10.7% (10842 versus 9686), and floating-point math by 7.1% (31977 versus 29722).

The benchmark data shows a clear pattern: the Core 3 304 excels in short, single-threaded bursts, while the i3-12100F dominates sustained multi-threaded workloads. The 3DMark results for the i3-12100F further illustrate its thread scaling: 4051 in 16-thread tests, 4026 in 8-thread, 4023 in max-thread, 2859 in 4-thread, 1659 in 2-thread, and 893 in single-thread. These results show the i3-12100F scaling well with thread count, a trait the Core 3 304 cannot match due to its 5-thread limit.

Specification Differences

The most fundamental specification difference is the core and thread configuration. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, while the Intel Core i3-12100F has 4 cores and 8 threads. The i3-12100F uses hyper-threading to achieve its higher thread count. The base clocks differ significantly: the Core 3 304 runs at 1.50 GHz, while the i3-12100F runs at 3.30 GHz. Both processors share the same 4.30 GHz boost clock. The Core 3 304 has a much lower TDP of 15 W compared to the i3-12100F's 58 W, reflecting its mobile design.

The process nodes also differ: the Core 3 304 uses 3 nm technology, while the i3-12100F uses 10 nm. Cache configurations are distinct: the Core 3 304 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3, while the i3-12100F has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The memory support differs, with the Core 3 304 supporting only DDR5 and LPDDR5X via single-channel, while the i3-12100F supports DDR4 and DDR5 via dual-channel. The memory bandwidth for the Core 3 304 is 59.7 GB/s, while the i3-12100F's bandwidth is not listed. The Core 3 304 includes integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics, while the i3-12100F has none. The Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516 with 6 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, while the i3-12100F uses Intel Socket 1700 with 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. The Core 3 304 has a launch MSRP of $309, while the i3-12100F has a launch MSRP of $97. Both processors have locked multipliers, no ECC support, and are actively in production.