Core i3-8300 vs Core i3-9300T

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-8300 vs Core i3-9300T FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-8300 vs Core i3-9300T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-8300

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $171 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅Delivers 125.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.2 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌77.1% higher power demand at 62W vs 35W.

Core i3-9300T

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 62W, a 27W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-8300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,323 vs 6,370).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 46.2 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8300 better than Core i3-9300T?

Yes. Core i3-8300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-8300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-8300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-8300 comes in $171 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 125.6% better value on MSRP (46.2 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-9300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8300 vs Core i3-9300T Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-8300

The Core i3-8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,370 points. Launch price was $138.

Core i3-9300T

The Core i3-9300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,323 points. Launch price was $143.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-8300 and Core i3-9300T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-9300T — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300T (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-8300 scores 6,370 against the Core i3-9300T's 6,323 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-8300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,327 vs 1,000, a 28.1% lead for the Core i3-8300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-8300 vs 8 MB on the Core i3-9300T.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i3-9300T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.8 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+16%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	6,370	6,323
Geekbench 6 Single	1,327+33%	1,000
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,265

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Q370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-8300) and H310,B360,H370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-9300T).

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i3-9300T
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8300) and Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9300T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i3-9300T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i3-9300T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	Low Power Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8300 was priced at $138, while the Core i3-9300T came in at $309. On launch pricing ($138 vs $309), Core i3-8300 was $171 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300 delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-9300T — making the Core i3-8300 the 77.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i3-9300T
MSRP	$138-55%	$309
Performance per Dollar	46.2+125%	20.5
Release Date	2018	2019

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