CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-8300T vs Intel Core i3-9300
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-8300T is an OEM-exclusive 35W desktop processor featuring 4 cores, 4 threads, no Turbo Boost, and a larger 8MB L3 cache, harvested from higher-tier Coffee Lake silicon.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The larger cache makes desktop interactions and application loading feel slightly snappier than the 6MB 8100T.
The 8 MB cache helps keep frequently used office applications responsive.
Gaming
The 8MB cache helps slightly, but the lack of Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading makes it unsuitable for gaming.
Slightly better than the 9100 due to cache and clocks, but 4 threads remain a hard bottleneck.
Virtualization
8MB cache helps with VM context switching, but 4 threads is still a severe bottleneck.
4 threads are insufficient for meaningful virtualization.
Efficiency
Matches the i3-8100T's excellent efficiency profile.
The 62 W TDP makes it slightly more efficient per clock than the 65 W 9100.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock is too slow for meaningful inference.
- No AI capabilities
Content Creation
Gaming
- Not intended for gaming.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock prevents acceptable frame rates in modern titles.
- 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
- 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
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 i3-8300T
- 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
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 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 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 i3-8300T 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 i3-8300T or Intel Core i3-9300?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-9300 leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i3-8300T and Intel Core i3-9300.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-8300T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-8300T (35 W), Intel Core i3-9300 (62 W).
Do Intel Core i3-8300T 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.