CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-8100F vs Intel Core i3-8300T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-8100F is a notoriously short-lived 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor that lacked integrated graphics, launched and then abruptly cancelled before wide distribution.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- 4 threads are insufficient.
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock is too slow for meaningful inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU.
- Fixed 3.6 GHz is too low for modern AAA games.
- Lacks the burst performance of even cheaper Pentium chips that have Turbo Boost.
- Not intended for gaming.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock prevents acceptable frame rates in modern titles.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Historical novelty value
- Functions as a standard Coffee Lake i3 if you have a GPU
- Fixed 3.6 GHz is higher than the T-series chips
- Supports ECC memory
Cons
- Cancelled by Intel, no support
- Extremely rare and hard to find
- No integrated graphics
- No Hyper-Threading
- No Turbo Boost
- Overpriced on the secondary market due to rarity
Pros
- 8MB L3 cache is larger than retail i3 alternatives
- 3.2 GHz fixed clock is 100 MHz higher than 8100T
- Low 35W power draw
- UHD Graphics 630 included
- Often cheap on the used market
Cons
- OEM-only, no retail warranty
- No Turbo Boost
- No Hyper-Threading
- Still only 4 threads
- DDR4-2400 memory limit
- PCIe 3.0 only
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-8100F
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400Rival
Entry Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 1200Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-9100FRival
Next-Gen Budget
- Intel Core i5-8400FAlt
A massively better F-series option with 6 cores.
- Intel Core i3-10100FAlt
A modern, easily available budget gaming option.
Intel Core i3-8300T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400TRival
OEM Low-Power
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low-Power Desktop
The 10th gen successor adds Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost.
Compare head-to-headN/A
A Coffee Lake refresh option with better clocks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A historically bizarre chip that lacked both Hyper-Threading and integrated graphics. Its abrupt cancellation means it is practically irrelevant for any practical computing today.
Best for: Only as a collector's piece if found in its original box for a reasonable price.
Read the full reviewA uniquely configured OEM chip that offers more cache than the retail i3-8100T. While still limited by no Turbo Boost or Hyper-Threading, the 8MB cache makes it the best performing 35W 8th gen i3.
Best for: Finding one salvaged from an OEM PC to use as a cheap LGA 1151v2 upgrade, as it outperforms the retail i3-8100T.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-8100F or Intel Core i3-8300T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-8300T comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-8300T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-8100F (65 W), Intel Core i3-8300T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i3-8100F and Intel Core i3-8300T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.