CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-8100T vs Intel Core i3-8300T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-8100T is a 35W, 4-core, 4-thread desktop processor lacking both Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, designed specifically for small form factor and low-noise OEM desktop PCs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock provides poor inference performance.
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock is too slow for meaningful inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock is too low for modern games.
- No Hyper-Threading limits background task handling.
- UHD 630 is not for gaming.
- 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
- Very low 35W power draw
- Predictable, constant 3.1 GHz performance
- 4 physical cores for multitasking
- Includes UHD 630 for display outputs
- Can be configured down to 25W
Cons
- No Turbo Boost (locked at 3.1 GHz)
- No Hyper-Threading (4 cores = 4 threads)
- Low 72°C Tcase limit restricts cooler options
- DDR4-2400 memory speed limit
- Outdated 14nm process
- Only PCIe 3.0
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 i3-8100T
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G5400TRival
Budget SFF
- AMD Athlon 3000GERival
Budget SFF
The 10th gen successor adds Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, and higher clocks.
Compare head-to-headIf upgrading an SFF PC, a 6-core T-series chip provides massive headroom.
Compare head-to-headAlder Lake offers a generational leap in IPC for modern SFF builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500GEAlt
6 cores/12 threads at low power for modern budget builds.
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 product of Intel's core-count strategy, the i3-8100T traded clock speed and threading for low heat output. It was adequate for basic office work in tiny chassis but aged rapidly due to its lack of Turbo Boost.
Best for: Only if you are repairing an existing SFF PC and can find the chip for under $15 on the used market.
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 i3-8100T 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.
Do Intel Core i3-8100T and Intel Core i3-8300T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.