CPU Comparison

The Intel Core 3 305 and Intel Core i7-8700 are two processors separated by nearly a decade of architectural evolution, yet they land in the same performance percentile. The data shows the Core 3 305 wins 14 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks, while the i7-8700 takes 3. The Core 3 305 is the faster all-around processor in nearly every metric, but the i7-8700 retains specific strengths in integer-heavy and compression workloads. The Core 3 305 is the clear choice for modern mobile workloads, while the i7-8700 remains relevant only for legacy desktop builds where its specific strengths are needed.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core 3 305 is the superior processor in 14 of 17 head-to-head tests. Its average benchmark score of 18302 sits nearly identical to the i7-8700’s 18223, but the distribution of wins is lopsided. The Core 3 305 wins every Cinebench test, R15, R20, and R23, in both single-core and multi-core, with deltas of 21.2% or 21.6% across the board. This indicates a generational leap in per-clock efficiency and instruction-level parallelism.

The i7-8700, despite having 12 threads versus 6, cannot match the Core 3 305 in multi-core Cinebench tests. The Core 3 305 scores 13123 in Cinebench R23 multi-core versus 10829 for the i7-8700, a 21.2% advantage. This is remarkable because the i7-8700 has double the thread count. The 3 nm process node of the Core 3 305, versus 14 nm for the i7-8700, explains much of this efficiency gap. The Core 3 305 also dominates in PassMark single-thread (3977 vs 2629, +51.3%) and floating-point math (42284 vs 27839, +51.9%).

The i7-8700 wins only in three specific PassMark tests: data compression (187009 vs 146857, +21.5% for the i7), integer math (44881 vs 32295, +28% for the i7), and random string sorting (23963 vs 17623, +26.5% for the i7). These are all workloads that benefit from the i7-8700’s higher base clock (3.20 GHz vs 1.50 GHz) and larger 12 MB shared L3 cache versus 6 MB on the Core 3 305. For users whose primary tasks are file compression, integer arithmetic, or sorting operations, the i7-8700 has a measurable edge.

The verdict is straightforward: the Core 3 305 is the better chip for 95% of use cases, especially any single-threaded or floating-point-heavy workload. The i7-8700 is only preferable in niche scenarios where its cache and clock advantage in integer tasks matters more than everything else.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different eras and design philosophies. The Core 3 305 uses the Wildcat Lake architecture on a 3 nm process node, manufactured by Intel. It is a mobile-class chip with a 15 W TDP, packaged in the Intel BGA 1516 socket. The i7-8700 uses the Coffee Lake architecture on a 14 nm process, also from Intel, but designed for desktops with a 65 W TDP and the Intel Socket 1151.

Core counts are identical at 6, but thread counts differ. The Core 3 305 has 6 threads (no hyperthreading), while the i7-8700 has 12 threads via hyperthreading. Cache configurations are also different: the Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The i7-8700 has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The i7-8700’s larger L3 cache is a key factor in its compression and integer wins.

Memory support diverges sharply. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel memory bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i7-8700 supports DDR4 over a dual-channel bus with 42.7 GB/s bandwidth. Despite having a single channel, the Core 3 305’s newer memory standard delivers 39.8% more bandwidth. PCIe connectivity also differs: the Core 3 305 has Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes, while the i7-8700 has Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics are another generational jump. The Core 3 305 features Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, while the i7-8700 has UHD Graphics 630. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Core 3 305 is marked as Active production, while the i7-8700 is End-of-life. Release dates confirm the gap: the Core 3 305 launched on 2026-04-15, while the i7-8700 launched on 2017-10-04. The die size of the i7-8700 is 154 mm², while no die size is listed for the Core 3 305.

Where Each One Wins

The Core 3 305 wins decisively in rendering and general compute workloads. All six Cinebench tests (R15, R20, R23, single and multi-core) go to the Core 3 305 with deltas between 21.2% and 21.6%. This makes it the clear choice for 3D rendering, video encoding, and any workload that scales with floating-point performance. The PassMark floating-point math score of 42284 versus 27839 (+51.9%) reinforces this. The Core 3 305 also wins PassMark physics (1233 vs 732, +68.4%), showing strength in simulation and physics calculations.

The Core 3 305 is also dominant in single-threaded tasks. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3977 versus 2629 (+51.3%) is a massive advantage. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1852 versus 1528 (+21.2%) further confirms this. This makes the Core 3 305 ideal for everyday responsiveness, office applications, and lightly-threaded software.

The data encryption test shows the largest delta of any benchmark: the Core 3 305 scores 11019 versus 4488 for the i7-8700, a 145.5% advantage. This suggests the newer architecture has dedicated encryption instructions or vastly more efficient implementations. The extended instructions test also favors the Core 3 305 (13543 vs 12432, +8.9%), as does the prime number finding test (115 vs 35, +228.6%).

The i7-8700 wins only in three PassMark tests. Data compression is its biggest win: 187009 versus 146857, a 21.5% advantage. Integer math also goes to the i7-8700 (44881 vs 32295, +28%). Random string sorting favors the i7-8700 as well (23963 vs 17623, +26.5%). These wins are likely due to the i7-8700’s larger 12 MB L3 cache and higher base clock of 3.20 GHz, which helps with data movement and integer-heavy loops.

FAQ

Q: Is the Intel Core 3 305 faster than the Intel Core i7-8700 in multi-core performance?

A: Yes. The Core 3 305 wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with 13123 points versus 10829 for the i7-8700, a 21.2% delta. This is despite the i7-8700 having 12 threads versus 6.

Q: Why does the i7-8700 win in data compression if it loses most other tests?

A: The i7-8700 scores 187009 in PassMark data compression versus 146857 for the Core 3 305, a 21.5% advantage. This is attributed to its larger 12 MB shared L3 cache and higher base clock of 3.20 GHz, which benefit data-heavy workloads.

Q: Which processor has better single-thread performance?

A: The Core 3 305 is significantly better. It scores 3977 in PassMark single-thread versus 2629 for the i7-8700, a 51.3% delta. The Cinebench R23 single-core test also shows a 21.2% advantage for the Core 3 305.

Q: What memory types do these processors support?

A: The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i7-8700 supports DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and 42.7 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?

A: The Core 3 305 has a 15 W TDP versus 65 W for the i7-8700, indicating dramatically lower power consumption for the mobile chip.

Q: Are these processors comparable in overall average benchmark score?

A: Yes, nearly identical. The Core 3 305 has an average benchmark score of 18302, while the i7-8700 has 18223. Both sit at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is in PassMark data encryption. The Core 3 305 scores 11019, which is 145.5% higher than the i7-8700’s 4488. This is the single largest delta in the entire comparison, indicating a massive architectural improvement in encryption throughput.

The Core 3 305 also wins PassMark find prime numbers by a huge margin: 115 versus 35, a 228.6% delta. While the absolute numbers are low, the relative difference is enormous, suggesting the newer chip handles integer division and prime detection far more efficiently.

In PassMark physics, the Core 3 305 scores 1233 versus 732, a 68.4% advantage. This test simulates physical interactions and benefits from both floating-point and multi-core performance. The Core 3 305’s win here aligns with its Cinebench multi-core dominance.

The floating-point math test shows a 51.9% delta: 42284 for the Core 3 305 versus 27839 for the i7-8700. This is a core strength of the newer architecture, likely due to the 3 nm process allowing higher clock speeds at lower power.

Single-thread performance is another clear win for the Core 3 305. PassMark single-thread scores are 3977 versus 2629, a 51.3% delta. This is mirrored in Cinebench R15 single-core (186 vs 153, +21.6%) and R20 single-core (777 vs 641, +21.2%).

The i7-8700’s three wins are all in PassMark tests that favor its cache and clock configuration. Data compression shows 187009 versus 146857, a 21.5% delta for the i7. Integer math shows 44881 versus 32295, a 28% delta. Random string sorting shows 23963 versus 17623, a 26.5% delta. These are the only tests where the i7-8700 leads, but they are significant for users with those specific workloads.

Specification Differences

The processors differ in nearly every fundamental specification. The Core 3 305 uses a 3 nm process node, while the i7-8700 uses 14 nm. Both are Intel parts, but the Core 3 305’s Wildcat Lake codename contrasts with the i7-8700’s Coffee Lake.

Clock speeds diverge dramatically. The Core 3 305 has a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The i7-8700 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The i7-8700 has a higher base clock by 1.70 GHz, but the Core 3 305’s boost clock is only 0.30 GHz lower.

TDP is a major differentiator: 15 W for the Core 3 305 versus 65 W for the i7-8700. This reflects the mobile versus desktop market segments. The sockets are incompatible: Intel BGA 1516 for the Core 3 305, Intel Socket 1151 for the i7-8700.

Cache sizes favor the i7-8700. The Core 3 305 has 192 KB L1, 2.5 MB L2, and 6 MB shared L3. The i7-8700 has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The i7-8700’s total L3 is double that of the Core 3 305.

Memory support differs completely. The Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The i7-8700 supports DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and 42.7 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe lanes also differ: the Core 3 305 has Gen 4 with 6 lanes, the i7-8700 has Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Integrated graphics are different generations. The Core 3 305 has Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, while the i7-8700 has UHD Graphics 630. Release dates show 2026-04-15 for the Core 3 305 versus 2017-10-04 for the i7-8700. The production status is Active for the Core 3 305 and End-of-life for the i7-8700. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.