Intel Core 3 304

The Intel Core 3 304 is a mobile processor built on Intel's 3 nm process, featuring 5 cores and 5 threads with a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. It integrates Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core and supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory. This analysis is based on benchmark data indicating a 68th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 13745.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Core 3 304 presents a distinctive performance profile that hinges on its 5-core, 5-thread configuration. With no hyper-threading, the chip relies entirely on physical cores, which shapes both its single-thread and multi-thread capabilities. The single-thread scores are notably strong: a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1765 and a Passmark single-thread score of 3614 demonstrate that the architecture excels at lightly-threaded tasks where clock speed and IPC matter most. The boost clock of 4.30 GHz is the primary driver here, allowing the processor to reach high frequencies on a single core when demand requires it.

Multi-thread performance, however, tells a more measured story. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5263 reflects the physical limitation of having only 5 threads available. Scaling from single-core to multi-core in Cinebench R23 shows a ratio of roughly 2.98x, which is reasonable for a 5-core part but falls short of processors with simultaneous multithreading. The Passmark multithread score of 11625 reinforces this picture, showing that the chip can handle concurrent workloads but is not designed to dominate heavily-parallel tasks. The data suggests a processor that punches above its weight in responsiveness and burst workloads, yet levels off when all cores are saturated.

This split has practical implications for real-world use. Operating systems, web browsers, and productivity applications often rely on single-thread performance for perceived snappiness, and the Core 3 304 delivers there with scores that rival larger desktop parts. Conversely, video rendering, batch photo processing, or code compilation that scales across many threads will not benefit from the same advantage. The 5-thread limit means that users should expect multi-core tasks to complete adequately but without the headroom found in 8-core or higher alternatives. The data indicates a processor optimized for latency-sensitive tasks rather than throughput-heavy sustained loads.

Power and Thermals

The Core 3 304 is classified with a TDP of 15 watts, placing it firmly in the ultra-low-power mobile segment. This TDP class has significant thermal implications: the processor can be cooled by a passive heatsink or a very low-profile fan, enabling thin-and-light laptop designs without aggressive cooling solutions. The 15-watt envelope is a deliberate engineering trade-off, prioritizing battery life and thermal comfort over maximum sustained performance.

Benchmark results confirm that this power budget does not preclude competent performance. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5263 achieved within a 15-watt TDP indicates efficient power delivery across the 5 cores. The boost clock of 4.30 GHz is particularly notable in this context, as reaching such frequencies within a 15-watt thermal envelope requires sophisticated power management and a capable manufacturing process. The 3 nm process node from Intel is a key enabler here, allowing higher transistor density and lower voltage operation compared to older nodes.

For system integrators, the 15-watt TDP implies a cooling tier typically associated with fanless or near-silent operation. The chip does not require the dual-fan setups or vapor chambers seen in high-performance gaming laptops. Instead, a capable air cooler or even a well-designed heat pipe assembly should suffice to maintain boost clocks under sustained load. The integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics also shares this thermal budget, meaning that GPU-intensive tasks will draw from the same power envelope, potentially reducing CPU boost headroom. Users should expect consistent performance in short bursts but may observe modest clock reductions during prolonged all-core or combined CPU-GPU workloads, a common characteristic of 15-watt parts.

Benchmark Performance

The Core 3 304’s benchmark results place it in a competitive position relative to its nearest rivals, though the deltas are narrow. The average benchmark score of 13745 sits just 0.3% below the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX, which scores 13786. This is a remarkably tight margin, especially considering the Threadripper PRO is a workstation-class processor with a vastly different core count. The data shows that for the specific benchmarks captured, the Core 3 304’s high single-thread performance compensates for its lower core count, achieving near-parity in aggregate scores.

Against the Intel Core i7-8750H, the Core 3 304 trails by 0.9% in average score, with the rival posting 13868. The i7-8750H is a 6-core, 12-thread part from an older generation, so the comparison highlights how architectural improvements and higher clock speeds can offset fewer threads. The Core 3 304’s Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1765 is notably higher than what the older i7-8750H would typically achieve, but the multi-core deficit in Cinebench R23 (5263 vs. the rival’s expected higher score) narrows the overall gap.

The most relevant comparison may be against the Intel Core 5 120UL, where the Core 3 304 leads by 1.1% (13594 vs. 13745). This intra-family rivalry shows that the Core 3 304 outperforms a higher-tier numbered part in the same product stack, likely due to differences in clock speeds or core architecture. The delta is small, but it suggests that the Core 3 304’s boost clock of 4.30 GHz provides a tangible advantage in the benchmark suite used.

Against the AMD EPYC 7443, the Core 3 304 lags by 1.4% (13936 vs. 13745). This server-class processor would typically dominate in multi-threaded workloads, but the average benchmark score compresses those differences. The Passmark data compression score of 114775 and integer math score of 24640 show that the Core 3 304 handles computationally intensive tasks with competence, though not at the level of the EPYC’s many-core design.

Who Should Consider It

The Core 3 304’s performance profile makes it a strong candidate for specific use cases, primarily those that favor single-thread responsiveness over multi-thread throughput. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1765 and Passmark single-thread score of 3614 indicate excellent performance for everyday computing tasks such as web browsing, office productivity suites, and media consumption. Users who prioritize a snappy interface and fast application launch times will find the Core 3 304 well-suited to their needs, with the 4.30 GHz boost clock ensuring rapid response in bursty workloads.

For gaming, the processor offers a mixed picture. The integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core handles light or older titles, but the lack of a discrete GPU option in the data suggests that serious gaming would require a separate graphics card. The single-thread performance is adequate for most game engines, which often rely on a few heavily-threaded cores, but the 5-thread limit may bottleneck modern titles that scale to 6 or 8 threads. The Passmark physics score of 868, which is often correlated with gaming physics, is moderate and may limit performance in physics-heavy simulations.

Content creators face a trade-off. The Passmark floating-point math score of 29722 and extended instructions score of 9686 suggest competent performance for image editing and light video work, where single-thread performance dominates. However, video rendering and 3D rendering tasks that scale across many threads will not see the same level of performance; the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5263 places it below many desktop parts with higher core counts. The data indicates that the Core 3 304 is suitable for photo editing in tools like Photoshop, but less ideal for long-form 4K video exports in Premiere Pro.

The 15-watt TDP makes this processor particularly attractive for ultraportable laptops and fanless designs. Students, business travelers, and office workers who need all-day battery life and silent operation will benefit from the power efficiency. The Passmark multithread score of 11625 confirms that even under multi-threaded loads, the chip maintains reasonable performance without excessive power draw, making it a balanced choice for mobile professionals who value portability over raw compute.

Platform and Compatibility

The Core 3 304 uses the Intel BGA 1516 socket, which is a ball-grid array package designed for soldered installation rather than socketed upgrades. This means the processor is permanently attached to the motherboard, limiting end-user upgradeability. The platform is intended for mobile devices where space constraints and thermal design take precedence over modularity.

Memory support includes DDR5 and LPDDR5X, with a single-channel memory bus. The memory bandwidth is rated at 59.7 GB/s, which is sufficient for the processor’s 5-core design but lower than dual-channel configurations. Single-channel memory can impact performance in memory-sensitive workloads, though the data does not specify the exact impact. ECC memory is not supported, so the platform is not targeted at error-correcting workloads such as financial modeling or scientific computing where data integrity is critical.

PCIe support is limited to Gen 4 with 6 lanes from the CPU. This is a modest allocation, sufficient for a single NVMe SSD and a low-power GPU, but not for multiple expansion cards or high-end graphics. The 6-lane configuration is typical of ultraportable designs where connectivity is prioritized for storage and wireless modules. The integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics provides display output, reducing the need for a discrete GPU in many configurations.

The production status is listed as Active, with a release date of April 15, 2026. The processor is part of the Wildcat Lake codename family, representing a modern architecture on Intel’s 3 nm process. The multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking, which aligns with the processor’s mobile positioning where thermal and power constraints are paramount. The part number is SAE3K, and the launch MSRP is $309.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does the Intel Core 3 304 have?

A: The processor has 5 cores and 5 threads, with no hyper-threading support.

Q: What is the boost clock speed of the Core 3 304?

A: The boost clock is 4.30 GHz, while the base clock is 1.50 GHz.

Q: Does the Core 3 304 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The chip supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory in a single-channel configuration.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 15 watts, which is classified as ultra-low-power for mobile devices.

Q: What integrated graphics does the Core 3 304 include?

A: It includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core, which is suitable for light graphics tasks.

Q: How does the Core 3 304 compare to the Intel Core 5 120UL in average benchmark score?

A: The Core 3 304 scores 13745, which is 1.1% higher than the Core 5 120UL’s average score of 13594.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX: The Core 3 304 trails this workstation processor by a razor-thin 0.3% in average benchmark score (13745 vs. 13786). This is a surprising result given the Threadripper’s enterprise positioning, but the Core 3 304’s high single-thread performance and efficient 3 nm process close the gap in the benchmarks measured. The comparison highlights how modern architectural improvements can offset core-count disadvantages.

Intel Core i7-8750H: The Core 3 304 falls 0.9% behind this older 6-core mobile processor, with scores of 13745 and 13868 respectively. The i7-8750H benefits from its 12 threads in multi-threaded benchmarks, but the Core 3 304 counters with a higher boost clock of 4.30 GHz and superior single-thread performance. The delta is small enough that real-world differences would be difficult to perceive.

Intel Core 5 120UL: The Core 3 304 leads this higher-numbered part by 1.1% in average score (13745 vs. 13594). This intra-family comparison shows that the Core 3 304’s design choices, including its 4.30 GHz boost clock, deliver better aggregate performance despite having fewer cores. The result suggests that the Core 3 304 offers a compelling option within Intel’s own lineup.

AMD EPYC 7443: The Core 3 304 lags this server processor by 1.4% in average score (13745 vs. 13936). The EPYC’s many-core design dominates multi-threaded workloads, but the average benchmark score compresses these differences. The Core 3 304’s performance in single-threaded tests and data compression (114775) shows that it holds its own in specific tasks, though it is not intended for server-class workloads.