Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core i5-14501TE Comparison

# Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core i5-14501TE

The Intel Core 3 304 and Intel Core i5-14501TE occupy different corners of Intel's lineup, one a mobile-focused Wildcat Lake part and the other a desktop Raptor Lake Refresh chip. The database contains complete benchmark data for the Core 3 304, while the i5-14501TE has no recorded benchmark scores, making direct numerical comparison impossible. However, the specification sheets reveal substantial architectural divergence that shapes what each processor can deliver.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 304 is built for mobile efficiency. Its 15 TDP rating, single-channel memory bus, and compact BGA 1516 socket target thin-and-light systems where power draw and thermals dominate. The recorded benchmark data shows a processor that handles single-threaded workloads respectably, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1765 and a Passmark single-thread score of 3614. Its percentile ranking of 68 against all CPUs places it above the midpoint of the database, indicating competent everyday responsiveness.

The i5-14501TE takes the opposite approach. It is a desktop part with a 45 TDP, a 6-core/12-thread configuration, and a dual-channel memory bus. Its boost clock reaches 5.10 GHz, substantially higher than the Core 3 304's 4.30 GHz. The i5-14501TE supports ECC memory and DDR4 alongside DDR5, making it suitable for entry-level servers, workstations, or reliability-focused desktop builds. Its PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes provides far more expansion bandwidth than the Core 3 304's Gen 4 with 6 lanes.

The Core 3 304 wins on portability and power efficiency. The i5-14501TE wins on core count, thread count, memory flexibility, and raw clock speed. Benchmark results would likely favor the i5-14501TE in multi-threaded workloads given its 12 threads versus 5, but no recorded data exists to confirm this.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different design lineages. The Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename, built on a 3 nm process node, and belongs to the Core 3 generation. It has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no hyperthreading. Its cache hierarchy includes 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The integrated graphics is Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core.

The i5-14501TE uses Raptor Lake-R architecture, built on a 10 nm process node, and belongs to the Core 14th Gen series. It has 6 cores and 12 threads, enabling simultaneous multithreading. Its cache structure differs significantly: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The die size is recorded at 215 mm². The integrated graphics is UHD Graphics 770.

The process node difference is stark: 3 nm versus 10 nm. This explains the Core 3 304's lower TDP despite a smaller transistor budget. The i5-14501TE's larger cache allocation, particularly the 24 MB shared L3 versus 6 MB, suggests better handling of repeated data access patterns across cores.

Memory support diverges sharply. The Core 3 304 supports only DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i5-14501TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus, though its bandwidth figure is not recorded. ECC memory is available on the i5-14501TE but not on the Core 3 304.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-14501TE has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads, with no hyperthreading support.

Q: What process nodes do these processors use?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 is built on a 3 nm process node. The Intel Core i5-14501TE uses a 10 nm process node.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Core i5-14501TE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 304 does not.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 boosts to 4.30 GHz. The Intel Core i5-14501TE boosts to 5.10 GHz.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The Intel Core i5-14501TE has a 45 TDP. The Intel Core 3 304 has a 15 TDP.

Q: What memory types does each support?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Intel Core i5-14501TE supports DDR4 and DDR5.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 304 | Intel Core i5-14501TE |

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

| Cores | 5 | 6 |

| Threads | 5 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 1.50 GHz | 2.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 5.10 GHz |

| TDP | 15 | 45 |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Raptor Lake-R |

| Process Node | 3 nm | 10 nm |

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

| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

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

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 59.7 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| 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 | 2024-06-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $309 | Not recorded |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 215 mm² |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark table in the database is empty, and the i5-14501TE has no recorded benchmark scores. The Core 3 304, however, has a full suite of results. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 5263 and single-core is 1765. In Cinebench R20, it scores 4160 multi-core and 587 single-core. The older Cinebench R15 test shows 849 multi-core and 264 single-core.

Passmark results for the Core 3 304 include a multithread score of 11625, a single-thread score of 3614, integer math at 24640, floating-point math at 29722, and extended instructions at 9686. Data compression scores 114775, data encryption scores 8501, physics scores 868, and random string sorting scores 13659. Prime number finding scores 68.

The average benchmark score for the Core 3 304 is 13745, placing it in the 68th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX with an average score of 13786 (0.3% higher), the Intel Core i7-8750H at 13868 (0.9% higher), the Intel Core 5 120UL at 13594 (1.1% lower), and the AMD EPYC 7443 at 13936 (1.4% higher). These margins are tight, indicating the Core 3 304 sits in a crowded performance band.

Without i5-14501TE scores, the comparison must rely on specifications. The i5-14501TE's 12 threads versus 5, its 5.10 GHz boost versus 4.30 GHz, and its 24 MB L3 versus 6 MB all point toward superior multi-threaded performance. The Core 3 304's single-channel memory and lower TDP suggest it would lag in memory-intensive workloads.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split. The Core 3 304 is a mobile processor designed for efficiency. Its 15 TDP, 3 nm process, and single-channel memory make it suitable for compact laptops where battery life and thermal limits take priority. Its benchmark scores, while not class-leading, place it in the 68th percentile, with the nearest rival margins within 1.4% in either direction. The single-thread performance is solid for everyday tasks.

The i5-14501TE is a desktop processor for users who need more parallel throughput. Its 6 cores and 12 threads, dual-channel memory, ECC support, and PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes make it the choice for workstation, server, or content-creation builds where multi-threaded performance and memory reliability matter more than power draw. The 45 TDP reflects its desktop orientation.

The absence of benchmark data for the i5-14501TE means the database cannot confirm performance estimates. Users should consult additional sources for measured results. Based on architecture alone, the i5-14501TE should deliver substantially higher multi-core performance given its thread advantage and larger cache, while the Core 3 304 offers a more efficient mobile package. The decision hinges on platform: BGA 1516 for the Core 3 304 versus Socket 1700 for the i5-14501TE. These are not interchangeable.