Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core i7-14700HX Comparison

# Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Core i7-14700HX

The Intel Core 3 304 and Intel Core i7-14700HX represent two distinct approaches to mobile computing. The Core 3 304 is a low-power, compact 5-core part built on a 3 nm process, while the Core i7-14700HX is a high-core-count 20-thread processor built on a 10 nm process. Benchmark data shows a decisive performance gap: the Core i7-14700HX wins all 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons, with an average benchmark score of 45953 versus 13745 for the Core 3 304. This translates to a 89th percentile ranking for the i7-14700HX across all CPUs, while the Core 3 304 sits at the 68th percentile. The performance delta is largest in multi-threaded workloads, but the i7-14700HX also leads in single-thread tests, though by a much narrower margin.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i7-14700HX wins every benchmark in the direct comparison set. There are no recorded wins for the Core 3 304 in any of the 17 head-to-head tests. The closest margins appear in single-thread workloads. In passmark_single_thread, the i7-14700HX scores 3947 versus 3614 for the Core 3 304, a delta of -8.4 percent. In cinebench_r15_singlecore, the i7-14700HX reaches 296 against 264, a delta of -10.8 percent. These results indicate the Core 3 304 is competitive in lightly threaded tasks, but still trails.

The i7-14700HX dominates in multi-core scenarios. The largest gap appears in passmark_integer_math, where the i7-14700HX scores 131296 versus 24640, a delta of -81.2 percent. Similarly, cinebench_r23_multicore shows 24595 for the i7-14700HX against 5263 for the Core 3 304, a -78.6 percent delta. For users running parallel workloads, the i7-14700HX is the clear choice. The Core 3 304, with its 5 cores and 5 threads, is positioned for basic productivity and light multitasking, where its single-thread performance can still deliver acceptable responsiveness.

The passmark_multithread score reinforces this split. The i7-14700HX records 36566, while the Core 3 304 manages 11625, a -68.2 percent delta. Data compression shows a similar pattern: 438539 for the i7-14700HX versus 114775 for the Core 3 304, a -73.8 percent delta. The i7-14700HX is built for content creation, scientific computing, and heavy multitasking. The Core 3 304 suits everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption.

Architecture Differences

The two processors use fundamentally different designs. The Core 3 304 is codenamed Wildcat Lake, built on a 3 nm process node, and belongs to the Core 3 generation. It has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no hyperthreading. The Core i7-14700HX uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-HX Refresh, on a 10 nm process node. It has 20 cores and 28 threads, indicating a hybrid design with performance and efficiency cores.

Cache layouts differ substantially. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i7-14700HX provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 cache per core, and 33 MB of shared L3 cache. Total cache capacity is far higher on the i7-14700HX, which explains part of its performance advantage in repeated workloads.

Memory support and I/O also diverge. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel memory bus, delivering 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth. The i7-14700HX supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel memory bus; no bandwidth figure is recorded. The i7-14700HX also supports ECC memory, while the Core 3 304 does not. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the Core 3 304 offers Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the i7-14700HX provides Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics present another contrast. The Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe unit. The i7-14700HX uses UHD Graphics 770. The Core 3 304 has a 15 W TDP, while the i7-14700HX has a 55 W TDP, a gap that reflects the i7's higher power envelope and performance ceiling. The i7-14700HX also has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the Core 3 304 is locked. Sockets differ: the Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516, and the i7-14700HX uses Intel BGA 1964.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most decisive win for the i7-14700HX arrives in passmark_integer_math. The i7-14700HX posts 131296 against 24640 for the Core 3 304, a -81.2 percent delta. This workload benefits heavily from the i7's 20 cores and 28 threads. Cinebench_r23_multicore shows a similar outcome: 24595 for the i7-14700HX versus 5263 for the Core 3 304, a -78.6 percent delta. The i7-14700HX delivers nearly five times the multi-core rendering score.

Passmark_data_compression gives the i7-14700HX a 438539 score against 114775 for the Core 3 304, a -73.8 percent delta. This indicates faster archival and file-handling operations. In passmark_data_encryption, the i7-14700HX reaches 26092 versus 8501, a -67.4 percent delta. Cryptographic workloads scale well with core count, favoring the i7.

Floating-point math favors the i7-14700HX with 93836 against 29722, a -68.3 percent delta. Extended instructions show 25718 versus 9686, a -62.3 percent delta. Prime number finding, a test sensitive to integer throughput, gives 165 for the i7-14700HX against 68 for the Core 3 304, a -58.8 percent delta. Physics simulation scores 2252 versus 868, a -61.5 percent delta.

Random string sorting, another memory-sensitive test, shows 48544 for the i7-14700HX versus 13659 for the Core 3 304, a -71.9 percent delta. The single-thread results are closer. Cinebench_r20_singlecore shows 1843 for the i7-14700HX versus 587 for the Core 3 304, a -68.1 percent delta. Cinebench_r23_singlecore gives 2103 versus 1765, a -16.1 percent delta. Cinebench_r15_singlecore shows 296 versus 264, a -10.8 percent delta. Passmark_single_thread records 3947 versus 3614, a -8.4 percent delta. The i7-14700HX wins these tests, but the margins shrink to single digits in the passmark single-thread case.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

The Intel Core i7-14700HX has 20 cores and 28 threads. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads.

Q: What is the difference in single-thread performance?

The i7-14700HX leads in all recorded single-thread tests. Passmark_single_thread shows 3947 for the i7-14700HX versus 3614 for the Core 3 304, a -8.4 percent delta. Cinebench_r23_singlecore shows 2103 versus 1765, a -16.1 percent delta.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

The Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The i7-14700HX has 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 33 MB of shared L3.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

No. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus. The i7-14700HX supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus. The i7-14700HX also supports ECC memory, which the Core 3 304 does not.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

The i7-14700HX has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The Core 3 304 has a boost clock of 4.30 GHz.

Q: What is the process node difference?

The Core 3 304 is built on a 3 nm process. The i7-14700HX uses a 10 nm process.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split by workload type. The Intel Core i7-14700HX is the correct choice for multi-threaded tasks. It wins all 17 head-to-head benchmarks, with particularly large margins in integer math (-81.2 percent), multi-core rendering (-78.6 percent in cinebench_r23), and data compression (-73.8 percent). Its 20 cores, 28 threads, 33 MB of shared L3, dual-channel memory, and Gen 5 PCIe support make it suitable for demanding applications. The 89th percentile ranking confirms its position above most CPUs in the database.

The Intel Core 3 304 serves a different purpose. Its 5 cores and 5 threads, 15 W TDP, and single-channel memory point to efficiency-focused designs. The 68th percentile ranking shows it remains competitive in single-thread scenarios, where its 3 nm process and 4.30 GHz boost clock narrow the gap to the i7-14700HX in tests like passmark_single_thread (-8.4 percent) and cinebench_r15_singlecore (-10.8 percent). For users prioritizing battery life and basic productivity, the Core 3 304 holds its own. For users needing maximum compute throughput, the i7-14700HX is the only option between these two.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core 3 304 | Intel Core i7-14700HX |

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

| Cores | 5 | 20 |

| Threads | 5 | 28 |

| Base Clock | 1.50 GHz | 2.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 5.50 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 55 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1516 | Intel BGA 1964 |

| Codename | Wildcat Lake | Raptor Lake-HX |

| 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) | 33 MB (shared) |

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

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

| 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 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Launch MSRP | $309 | Not recorded |