The Intel Core 3 304 is a budget-class processor. You can find it in affordable laptops typically priced below $500. The processor is a part of Intel’s “Wildcat Lake” CPU family released in 2026.
With its four efficiency-centric and a single performance-first processing core, a maximal clock speed of 4.3 GHz, 6MB of cache, and the integrated Intel Graphics, the Intel Core 3 304 offers enough power for smooth completion of daily computing tasks and some light gaming. In addition, the CPU includes a dedicated 15 TOPS NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to help with AI-related tasks in programs with Intel NPU support.
Intel Core 3 304 Real-World Use Test [Video]
Here’s a video of testing real-world use of the Core 3 304 with common programs running at the same time under Windows 11.
During our test of the CPU, we had a fairly good experience juggling web browsing, email, office apps, AI chats, and media playback, all simultaneously. There were no noticeable hiccups, so most of the regular laptop users should be satisfied with the Core 3 304-powered laptops if they don’t use heavy programs like professional video editing software.
As for 3D graphics performance, we have a separate benchmark of the CPU and its integrated Intel Graphics. In short, the processor is suitable only for light gaming. In our tests, it was able to run decently well “vanilla” Minecraft, Roblox, League of Legends, and Rocket League, as well as Fortnite on low graphics settings.
Intel Core 3 304 Benchmark
Here are benchmark charts comparing the Intel Core 3 304 against other popular laptop processors.
The first chart is based on the PassMark Thread Mark, representing processors’ single-core performance. Single-core benchmark scores are a good way to reflect snappiness of a processor in day-to-day use. As you can see, the Core 3 304 fares well against even high-end laptop CPUs.
Since it has a single performance core, while the remaining four focusing on power efficiency, in multi-core benchmarks the Core 3 304 doesn’t perform as good. This means that multi-core-heavy apps like some video editors, won’t run so smooth.
As a sidenote, the showed scores are averages measured across different devices with these processors. Actual performance varies depending on a particular laptop configuration, primarily its cooling solution and thermal throttling, as well as storage and RAM speeds.