Intel Core 3 304 vs Intel Processor U303L Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive performance advantage for the Intel Core 3 304 across every measured workload. The Intel Processor U303L has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, which means a direct numerical comparison is only possible by examining the Core 3 304's absolute scores and its standing against other processors in the database.

The Core 3 304 delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5263 and a single-core score of 1765. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 4160 with a single-core score of 587. The older Cinebench R15 test shows 849 multi-core and 264 single-core. These results place the Core 3 304 at the 68th percentile of all CPUs in the database, indicating it outperforms a substantial majority of recorded processors.

PassMark results for the Core 3 304 reinforce this position. The multi-thread score is 11625, while single-thread performance registers at 3614. Integer math scores 24640, floating-point math reaches 29722, and extended instructions hit 9686. Data compression completes at 114775, data encryption at 8501, and random string sorting at 13659. Physics processing scores 868, and prime number finding scores 68.

The average benchmark score for the Core 3 304 is 13745. Its nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX with an average score of 13786, a delta of -0.3 percent, meaning the Core 3 304 trails by just 0.3 percent. The Intel Core i7-8750H scores 13868 on average, putting the Core 3 304 behind by 0.9 percent. The Intel Core 5 120UL averages 13594, which the Core 3 304 leads by 1.1 percent. The AMD EPYC 7443 averages 13936, a 1.4 percent deficit for the Core 3 304.

These deltas show the Core 3 304 operating within a narrow band around processors from entirely different market tiers. It essentially matches a Threadripper PRO workstation chip and a 24-core EPYC server processor in average benchmark score, while slightly exceeding a Core 5 series mobile part. The U303L, with no recorded scores and an average benchmark score of zero, cannot be positioned against these figures.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design generations. The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake codename with a 3 nm process node, fabricated by Intel. The Intel Processor U303L is built on the Raptor Lake architecture with a 10 nm process node, also from Intel's own foundry. This process gap has direct implications for transistor density and power characteristics, though the database records no transistor counts or die sizes for either part.

Core configuration differs despite both having 5 physical cores. The Core 3 304 runs 5 threads, indicating no hyper-threading on any core. The U303L runs 6 threads, meaning one core supports an additional thread. Clock speeds widen the gap further: the Core 3 304 has a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz, while the U303L operates at 1.20 GHz base and 2.60 GHz boost. The Core 3 304's boost advantage of 1.70 GHz is substantial for single-threaded responsiveness.

Cache hierarchies are structured differently. The Core 3 304 has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The U303L lists 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The U303L's L3 is twice the size of the Core 3 304's, though per-core L2 figures suggest different allocation strategies.

Memory support diverges as well. The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory over a single-channel bus, with bandwidth rated at 59.7 GB/s. The U303L supports both DDR4 and DDR5 across a dual-channel bus, though the database does not record a bandwidth figure. The Core 3 304's newer memory standard and higher bandwidth compensate for its narrower channel count.

PCIe connectivity differs: the Core 3 304 provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes from the CPU, while the U303L provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes. Integrated graphics also differ, with the Core 3 304 using Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe unit, while the U303L uses UHD Graphics with 96 execution units.

Socket compatibility separates the two entirely. The Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516, while the U303L uses Intel Socket 1700. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

Release timing and pricing are recorded in the database. The Core 3 304 launched with a release date of April 15, 2026, and a launch MSRP of $309. The U303L released on April 7, 2024, with a launch MSRP of $285.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 3 304 reaches 4.30 GHz, while the Intel Processor U303L peaks at 2.60 GHz.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: Both have 5 cores. The Core 3 304 has 5 threads, and the U303L has 6 threads.

Q: What is the process node difference?

A: The Core 3 304 is built on a 3 nm node, and the U303L uses a 10 nm node. Both are fabricated by Intel.

Q: Which processor has more L3 cache?

A: The U303L has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, double the 6 MB found on the Core 3 304.

Q: What memory types does each support?

A: The Core 3 304 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X on a single-channel bus. The U303L supports DDR4 and DDR5 on a dual-channel bus.

Q: How does the Core 3 304 compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Core 3 304's average benchmark score of 13745 is within 0.3 percent of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX, 0.9 percent behind the Intel Core i7-8750H, 1.1 percent ahead of the Intel Core 5 120UL, and 1.4 percent behind the AMD EPYC 7443.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every recorded specification field.

Process node: 3 nm for the Core 3 304, 10 nm for the U303L.

Codename: Wildcat Lake for the Core 3 304, Raptor Lake-PS for the U303L.

Generation: Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) for the Core 3 304, Intel Processor (Raptor Lake) for the U303L.

Threads: 5 for the Core 3 304, 6 for the U303L.

Base clock: 1.50 GHz for the Core 3 304, 1.20 GHz for the U303L.

Boost clock: 4.30 GHz for the Core 3 304, 2.60 GHz for the U303L.

Socket: Intel BGA 1516 for the Core 3 304, Intel Socket 1700 for the U303L.

L1 cache: 192 KB for the Core 3 304, 80 KB per core for the U303L.

L2 cache: 2.5 MB for the Core 3 304, 1.25 MB per core for the U303L.

L3 cache: 6 MB shared for the Core 3 304, 12 MB shared for the U303L.

Memory support: DDR5 and LPDDR5X for the Core 3 304, DDR4 and DDR5 for the U303L.

Memory bus: Single-channel for the Core 3 304, Dual-channel for the U303L.

Memory bandwidth: 59.7 GB/s recorded for the Core 3 304, no figure recorded for the U303L.

PCIe lanes: 6 Gen 4 lanes for the Core 3 304, 8 Gen 4 lanes for the U303L.

Integrated graphics: Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) for the Core 3 304, UHD Graphics 96EU for the U303L.

Release date: April 15, 2026 for the Core 3 304, April 7, 2024 for the U303L.

Launch MSRP: $309 for the Core 3 304, $285 for the U303L.

Part number: SAE3K for the Core 3 304, SRPKEQ5CV for the U303L.

Percentile: 68th percentile for the Core 3 304, 50th percentile for the U303L.

Average benchmark score: 13745 for the Core 3 304, 0 for the U303L.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 304 wins in every workload category where benchmark data exists. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5263 and single-core score of 1765 indicate strong performance in both heavily threaded rendering tasks and latency-sensitive single-threaded applications. The PassMark multi-thread score of 11625 and single-thread score of 3614 confirm this across a broader range of operations.

The clock speed advantage is the clearest differentiator. A boost clock of 4.30 GHz versus 2.60 GHz gives the Core 3 304 a significant edge in workloads that scale with frequency, such as interactive applications, compilation, and lightly threaded productivity software. The 3 nm process node also suggests higher efficiency per clock, though the database does not record power consumption figures beyond the 15 W TDP shared by both parts.

The U303L holds advantages in specific structural areas. Its dual-channel memory bus can provide higher memory bandwidth in theory, though no bandwidth figure is recorded. Its 12 MB L3 cache is double the Core 3 304's 6 MB, which can benefit workloads with large working sets that fit within the cache. The 8 PCIe lanes versus 6 provide additional connectivity headroom for expansion devices. The 6 threads versus 5 offer slightly more parallel capacity for multithreaded tasks.

However, none of these structural advantages are validated by benchmark results, as the U303L has no recorded scores. The database shows the U303L at the 50th percentile, which is below the Core 3 304's 68th percentile, but this percentile is based on no measured benchmarks.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the Intel Core 3 304. It has recorded benchmark scores across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and nine PassMark subtests, all indicating strong performance. Its average score of 13745 places it at the 68th percentile of all CPUs in the database, and its nearest rivals include workstation and server-class processors with deltas under 1.5 percent.

The Intel Processor U303L has no benchmark data at all. Its 50th percentile rank is derived from no measured scores. While it offers a larger L3 cache, dual-channel memory, more PCIe lanes, and an extra thread, none of these features translate into verified performance results in the database.

For users prioritizing measured performance, the Core 3 304 is the only option with supporting evidence. Its 3 nm process, 4.30 GHz boost clock, and validated multi-thread and single-thread scores make it the stronger choice for any workload where benchmark results matter. The U303L may have structural merits, but without recorded data, those merits cannot be quantified or compared.

The Core 3 304's launch MSRP is $309, and the U303L's launch MSRP is $285. Both processors are mobile segments, active in production, and have locked multipliers. Neither supports ECC memory. The Core 3 304 uses a newer architecture, a smaller process node, and a faster boost clock, and it backs these specifications with a full suite of benchmark scores. The U303L does not.