Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core i3-14100 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a decisive overall victory for the Intel Core i3-14100, which wins 15 of the 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons. The Intel Core 3 304 takes only two wins, both in highly specialized workloads. The magnitude of the Core i3-14100's advantage is substantial in multi-threaded and integer-heavy tasks, while the Core 3 304 shows a surprising single-core anomaly in one legacy test.

The largest margin in the entire comparison appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Core i3-14100 scores 12,820 against the Core 3 304's 5,263. That is a 58.9% deficit for the Core 3 304. The Core i3-14100's advantage is equally pronounced in PassMark integer math, scoring 45,329 versus 24,640, a 45.6% lead. Data compression shows a 34.1% gap, with the Core i3-14100 at 174,115 and the Core 3 304 at 114,775. These results indicate that the Core i3-14100's eight threads provide a commanding lead in workloads that scale with parallel execution.

Cinebench R15 multi-core follows the same pattern, with the Core i3-14100 at 1,292 and the Core 3 304 at 849, a 34.3% difference. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows a 22.7% gap, 5,384 versus 4,160. PassMark multi-thread scores 15,095 for the Core i3-14100 against 11,625, a 23% difference. PassMark random string sorting goes to the Core i3-14100 at 17,397 versus 13,659, a 21.5% lead. Extended instructions favor the Core i3-14100 by 18.4%, and floating point math by 15.7%, with scores of 35,266 versus 29,722 and 11,865 versus 9,686 respectively.

The Core 3 304's first win comes in Cinebench R15 single-core, where it scores 264 against the Core i3-14100's 182. That is a 45.1% advantage. This is an unusual result, as newer Cinebench versions tell a different story. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the Core i3-14100 wins 759 to 587, a 22.7% margin. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Core i3-14100 leads again, 1,809 versus 1,765, though by a narrow 2.4%. The Core 3 304's second win comes in PassMark find prime numbers, where it scores 68 against 55, a 23.6% advantage. These two wins suggest the Core 3 304 has some specific strengths, but they do not offset its multi-core deficit.

Other PassMark results favor the Core i3-14100 by smaller margins. Data encryption shows 8,838 versus 8,501, a 3.8% gap. PassMark single-thread scores 3,759 versus 3,614, a 3.9% difference. PassMark physics favors the Core i3-14100 at 958 versus 868, a 9.4% lead. The average benchmark score places the Core i3-14100 at 18,318, which sits at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. The Core 3 304 averages 13,745, at the 68th percentile. The Core i3-14100's nearest rivals include the Intel Core 3 305 at a 0.1% delta, the Intel Core 5 330 at -0.1%, the Intel Core 7 360 at -0.3%, and the Intel Core i3-13100 at -0.3%. The Core 3 304's nearest rivals show a different competitive position: the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX at -0.3%, the Intel Core i7-8750H at -0.9%, the Intel Core 5 120UL at 1.1%, and the AMD EPYC 7443 at -1.4%.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Core i3-14100 wins 15 of the 17 recorded head-to-head tests. The Intel Core 3 304 wins only two: Cinebench R15 single-core and PassMark find prime numbers.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where the Intel Core i3-14100 scores 12,820 and the Intel Core 3 304 scores 5,263, a 58.9% difference in favor of the Core i3-14100.

Q: How do the two compare in single-threaded performance?

A: The results are mixed. The Core 3 304 wins Cinebench R15 single-core by 45.1%, scoring 264 versus 182. The Core i3-14100 wins Cinebench R20 single-core by 22.7% with 759 versus 587, and Cinebench R23 single-core by 2.4% with 1,809 versus 1,765. PassMark single-thread also favors the Core i3-14100, 3,759 versus 3,614, a 3.9% margin.

Q: What are the average benchmark scores for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i3-14100 has an average benchmark score of 18,318, placing it at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Core 3 304 has an average benchmark score of 13,745, placing it at the 68th percentile.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads. The Intel Core i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads. The Core i3-14100 uses Hyper-Threading style parallelism to reach 8 threads from 4 cores, while the Core 3 304 runs one thread per core.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of the two processors?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 has a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The Intel Core i3-14100 has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The Core i3-14100 also has a higher base clock at 3.50 GHz versus 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 304.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different Intel platforms. The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake architecture on a 3 nm process, while the Intel Core i3-14100 uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-R, on a 10 nm process. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the node difference is substantial. The Core 3 304 is classified under the Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) generation, while the Core i3-14100 belongs to the Core 14th Gen series under the Core i3 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation.

The core and thread configurations differ significantly. The Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning it does not use simultaneous multithreading. The Core i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads, enabling two threads per core. This explains the Core i3-14100's dominant multi-threaded scores despite having fewer physical cores. The Core 3 304's 5 physical cores without extra threads cannot match the parallel throughput of the Core i3-14100's 4 cores with 8 threads in heavily threaded workloads.

Cache hierarchies also differ. 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 i3-14100 lists its cache on a per-core basis: 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, with 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The Core i3-14100's L3 cache is double the size of the Core 3 304's L3 cache, which likely contributes to its stronger performance in data compression and integer math.

Memory support diverges as well. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory over a single-channel bus, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. The Core i3-14100 supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, with no memory bandwidth figure recorded in the data. The dual-channel configuration gives the Core i3-14100 a structural memory bandwidth advantage, though the database does not provide a bandwidth number for it. The Core 3 304 does not support ECC memory, while the Core i3-14100 does.

PCIe capabilities differ sharply. The Core 3 304 provides PCIe Gen 4 with 6 CPU-only lanes. The Core i3-14100 provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU-only lanes. The Core i3-14100's newer PCIe generation and greater lane count make it the more capable platform for discrete expansion, though the Core 3 304's mobile segment may not require such bandwidth.

The integrated graphics differ. The Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The Core i3-14100 uses UHD Graphics 730. The database does not provide comparative graphics benchmarks, so any performance assessment between the two iGPUs must remain qualitative.

Form factors and sockets also separate the two. The Core 3 304 is a mobile processor with a 15 W TDP, socketed in Intel BGA 1516. The Core i3-14100 is a desktop processor with a 60 W TDP, socketed in Intel Socket 1700. The Core 3 304's die size is not recorded, while the Core i3-14100 has a die size of 163 mm². Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 3 304's release date is recorded as 2026-04-15, while the Core i3-14100's release date is 2024-01-07.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a clear split by workload and platform. The Intel Core i3-14100 is the stronger processor in nearly every benchmark category. Its 58.9% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core, 45.6% lead in PassMark integer math, and 34.1% lead in data compression demonstrate that its 8 threads and dual-channel memory architecture deliver substantially higher throughput. For users running multi-threaded applications, rendering workloads, or data-heavy tasks, the Core i3-14100 is the superior choice based on the benchmark data.

The Intel Core 3 304 has a narrower set of strengths. Its 45.1% win in Cinebench R15 single-core and 23.6% win in PassMark find prime numbers show that it can outperform the Core i3-14100 in specific, narrowly defined tasks. Its 3 nm process node and 15 W TDP position it as a low-power mobile part, whereas the Core i3-14100 is a 60 W desktop part. Users prioritizing power efficiency in a mobile form factor would find the Core 3 304 more aligned with that segment. The Core 3 304's 68th percentile ranking and 13,745 average score place it well below the Core i3-14100's 72nd percentile and 18,318 average score.

The Core i3-14100 also holds advantages in platform features. Its dual-channel memory support, PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, and ECC memory support give it broader applicability in desktop systems where expansion and memory integrity matter. The Core 3 304's single-channel memory and PCIe Gen 4 with 6 lanes limit its expansion potential, which is consistent with its mobile market segment.

The data does not support choosing the Core 3 304 for raw performance. It wins only two tests, and one of those, Cinebench R15 single-core, is contradicted by newer Cinebench versions in which the Core i3-14100 leads. The Core i3-14100 wins Cinebench R20 single-core by 22.7% and Cinebench R23 single-core by 2.4%, suggesting the Core 3 304's single-core advantage is isolated to older test methodology. The Core i3-14100 is the better choice for desktop performance, while the Core 3 304 serves the mobile low-power segment with its 15 W TDP and compact BGA socket.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every recorded specification. The Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, while the Core i3-14100 has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks differ substantially: the Core 3 304 runs at 1.50 GHz, the Core i3-14100 at 3.50 GHz. Boost clocks are closer, with the Core 3 304 at 4.30 GHz and the Core i3-14100 at 4.70 GHz. TDP differs by segment: 15 W for the Core 3 304 versus 60 W for the Core i3-14100.

The socket and form factor differ: the Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516 for mobile, while the Core i3-14100 uses Intel Socket 1700 for desktop. The Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake architecture on a 3 nm process, and the Core i3-14100 uses Raptor Lake on a 10 nm process. Die size is recorded only for the Core i3-14100 at 163 mm². The Core 3 304's generation is listed as Core 3 (Wildcat Lake), while the Core i3-14100's is Core i3 (Raptor Lake Refresh).

Cache configurations differ. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The Core i3-14100 has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. 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 i3-14100 supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with no recorded bandwidth. ECC memory is supported only on the Core i3-14100. PCIe differs: Gen 4 with 6 lanes for the Core 3 304, Gen 5 with 16 lanes for the Core i3-14100. The integrated graphics differ: Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) for the Core 3 304, UHD Graphics 730 for the Core i3-14100. Market segments differ: Mobile for the Core 3 304, Desktop for the Core i3-14100. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 3 304 has a launch MSRP of $309, while the Core i3-14100 has a launch MSRP of $134. Release dates are recorded as 2026-04-15 for the Core 3 304 and 2024-01-07 for the Core i3-14100.