CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-8100T vs Intel Core i3-9300
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
Performance Compared
Productivity
4 cores handle standard office suites well, but heavy Excel macros or large datasets will show the lack of Turbo Boost.
The 8 MB cache helps keep frequently used office applications responsive.
Gaming
The locked 3.1 GHz clock prevents playable frame rates in modern CPU-heavy games, and OEM systems rarely include a GPU.
Slightly better than the 9100 due to cache and clocks, but 4 threads remain a hard bottleneck.
Virtualization
4 threads without Hyper-Threading is the absolute minimum for any VM usage.
4 threads are insufficient for meaningful virtualization.
Efficiency
Very efficient due to the low 35W TDP and lack of power-hungry turbo frequency spikes.
The 62 W TDP makes it slightly more efficient per clock than the 65 W 9100.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.1 GHz clock provides poor inference performance.
- No AI capabilities
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.
- Can handle very light esports at low settings if paired with a dedicated GPU
- The 4-thread limit causes significant stuttering in modern games
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- Outdated 14nm process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
- 8 MB L3 cache provides a tangible latency reduction
- 62 W TDP is slightly more efficient than the 65 W standard
- Higher clocks than the i3-9100 out of the box
- UHD 630 included for display output
- ECC memory support (if motherboard allows)
Cons
- OEM-exclusive, impossible to buy at retail
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- No Hyper-Threading
- Memory locked to DDR4-2400 MT/s
- Outclassed by cheap used AMD Ryzen parts
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 i3-9300
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget AM4
- Intel Core i3-9100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AFRival
Used Market Value
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10100Rival
Next-Gen Desktop
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 reviewThe i3-9300 is a minor tweak on the 9100, offering a bit more cache and slightly better efficiency, but its OEM-exclusive nature and 4-thread limit make it irrelevant for DIY builders.
Best for: The i3-9300 should only be considered if you are purchasing a pre-built desktop from an OEM (like HP or Lenovo) that happens to use this chip, and the price is heavily discounted. The 8 MB cache makes it a slightly better performer than a 9100 in single-task office environments. If you are building a PC yourself, you cannot buy this chip, and you shouldn't try to hunt it down on the grey market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-8100T or Intel Core i3-9300?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-9300 comes out ahead with a score of 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i3-8100T or Intel Core i3-9300?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-9300 leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i3-8100T and Intel Core i3-9300.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-8100T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-8100T (35 W), Intel Core i3-9300 (62 W).
Do Intel Core i3-8100T and Intel Core i3-9300 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-9300 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-9300 (5,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.