Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Processor U301L Comparison

The Verdict

The Intel Core 3 304 and Intel Processor U301L occupy distinctly different performance tiers despite sharing the same 5-core count and 15 W TDP. The Core 3 304 delivers substantially higher benchmark scores across every measured category, placing it in the 68th percentile of all CPUs, while the U301L sits at the 50th percentile with no recorded benchmark data in the database. The Core 3 304 is the clear choice for workloads demanding single-thread responsiveness and sustained multi-thread throughput, as its boost clock reaches 4.30 GHz compared to 2.20 GHz for the U301L. The U301L, with its dual-channel memory support and Socket 1700 compatibility, suits systems prioritizing memory bandwidth and platform flexibility over raw compute performance.

Architecture Differences

The two processors derive from different architectural lineages. The Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename with a 3 nm process node, while the U301L is built on the Raptor Lake architecture using a 10 nm node. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the process disparity indicates the Core 3 304 benefits from a more advanced fabrication technology. The Core 3 304 features 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no hyperthreading, whereas the U301L offers 5 cores and 6 threads, providing one additional logical thread. Cache hierarchies differ meaningfully: the Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the U301L has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The U301L thus allocates more L3 cache, but the Core 3 304 compensates with faster clock speeds.

Memory support diverges: the Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel memory bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, while the U301L supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with no recorded bandwidth figure. PCIe connectivity also differs, with the Core 3 304 offering Gen 4 with 6 lanes and the U301L offering Gen 4 with 8 lanes. Integrated graphics vary as well: the Core 3 304 uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe unit, while the U301L uses UHD Graphics 64EU. The Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516 socket, and the U301L uses Intel Socket 1700. The Core 3 304 launched on 2026-04-15 with a launch MSRP of $309, while the U301L launched on 2024-04-07 with a launch MSRP of $107.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark comparisons between these two processors, and the U301L has no recorded benchmark scores. However, the Core 3 304 has an extensive benchmark profile that allows characterization of its performance envelope. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Core 3 304 scores 849, with a single-core score of 264. Cinebench R20 results show 4160 multicore and 587 single-core. Cinebench R23 delivers 5263 multicore and 1765 single-core. These scores indicate the Core 3 304 excels in single-threaded tasks relative to its own multi-thread results, with the R23 single-core score representing a strong per-core showing for a 15 W mobile processor.

PassMark results for the Core 3 304 include data compression at 114775, data encryption at 8501, extended instructions at 9686, find prime numbers at 68, floating point math at 29722, integer math at 24640, multithread at 11625, physics at 868, random string sorting at 13659, and single-thread at 3614. The average benchmark score for the Core 3 304 is 13745, placing it in the 68th percentile. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX with an average score of 13786 and a delta of -0.3%, the Intel Core i7-8750H with 13868 and -0.9%, the Intel Core 5 120UL with 13594 and +1.1%, and the AMD EPYC 7443 with 13936 and -1.4%. The Core 3 304 sits within roughly 1.4% of these competitors, indicating competitive positioning despite its mobile-oriented design.

The U301L, by contrast, has no benchmark entries, an average benchmark score of 0, and no nearest rivals listed. Its 50th percentile ranking derives from database-wide positioning, but without recorded scores, direct numerical comparison against the Core 3 304 is impossible. What the data does show is that the Core 3 304's boost clock of 4.30 GHz versus 2.20 GHz for the U301L represents a 1.95 GHz advantage, and its base clock of 1.50 GHz exceeds the U301L's 1.20 GHz. These clock differences likely translate into significant performance gaps in both single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 reaches 4.30 GHz boost, while the Intel Processor U301L tops out at 2.20 GHz, a 2.10 GHz difference.

Q: Do both processors use the same manufacturing process?

A: No. The Core 3 304 uses a 3 nm process node, while the U301L uses a 10 nm node, both from Intel.

Q: Which processor supports more memory channels?

A: The U301L supports dual-channel memory, while the Core 3 304 is single-channel. The U301L also supports DDR4 in addition to DDR5, whereas the Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X.

Q: How many threads does each processor provide?

A: The Core 3 304 has 5 threads across 5 cores, while the U301L has 6 threads across 5 cores.

Q: What is the L3 cache size for each?

A: The Core 3 304 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the U301L has 8 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Core 3 304 has an average benchmark score of 13745, while the U301L has no recorded benchmark scores, resulting in an average of 0.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 304 wins decisively on raw compute performance based on its clock speeds and benchmark results. Its 4.30 GHz boost clock, achieved through the advanced 3 nm process, gives it a commanding advantage in single-threaded responsiveness. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1765 and PassMark single-thread score of 3614 confirm this strength. For multi-threaded workloads, the Core 3 304's Cinebench R23 multicore score of 5263 and PassMark multithread score of 11625 demonstrate solid throughput for its 15 W TDP. The data compression score of 114775 and integer math score of 24640 further indicate strong general-purpose compute capability. The Core 3 304 also benefits from newer integrated graphics with the Xe3 architecture, which may benefit light graphics workloads.

The U301L wins on platform flexibility and memory configuration. Its dual-channel memory bus allows higher theoretical memory bandwidth compared to the single-channel implementation of the Core 3 304, although the database does not record a bandwidth figure for the U301L. The U301L supports both DDR4 and DDR5, enabling use with older or more economical memory platforms. Its Socket 1700 compatibility and 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes provide more expansion headroom than the Core 3 304's 6 lanes. The larger 8 MB shared L3 cache could benefit workloads with high cache reuse, though the Core 3 304's faster clocks may offset this advantage. The U301L also offers one additional thread, which can help in lightly threaded scenarios where hyperthreading provides a boost.

For users prioritizing compute density in a mobile form factor, the Core 3 304 is the superior choice. Its benchmark scores place it at the 68th percentile, and its nearest rivals include high-end desktop and workstation parts within 1.4%, indicating strong performance per watt. For users needing dual-channel memory bandwidth, DDR4 compatibility, or more PCIe lanes, the U301L provides those features at a lower launch MSRP of $107 versus $309 for the Core 3 304, though pricing considerations are secondary to the data presented.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several specification fields. The Core 3 304 has a base clock of 1.50 GHz versus 1.20 GHz for the U301L, and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz versus 2.20 GHz. The Core 3 304 uses 5 threads, while the U301L uses 6 threads. Process nodes differ: 3 nm for the Core 3 304 and 10 nm for the U301L. Cache configurations vary, with the Core 3 304 having 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB L3, while the U301L has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 8 MB L3. Memory support differs, with the Core 3 304 supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X on a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, and the U301L supporting DDR4 and DDR5 on a dual-channel bus. PCIe lanes differ at 6 for the Core 3 304 and 8 for the U301L, both Gen 4. Integrated graphics differ between Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) and UHD Graphics 64EU. Sockets differ between Intel BGA 1516 and Intel Socket 1700. Release dates differ, with the Core 3 304 launching on 2026-04-15 and the U301L on 2024-04-07. The launch MSRP differs at $309 for the Core 3 304 and $107 for the U301L. Both processors are mobile segment, active production, and locked multipliers. Neither supports ECC memory.