Core i3-8300 vs Ryzen 3 1200
Core i3-8300
Ryzen 3 1200
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8300
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 3 1200
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8300 | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8300 | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+174%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-8300 and Ryzen 3 1200
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.
Ryzen 3 1200
The Ryzen 3 1200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 July 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,407 points. Launch price was $109.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-8300 and Ryzen 3 1200 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 versus 3.4 GHz on the Ryzen 3 1200 — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-8300 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-8300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 3 1200 uses Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300 scores 6,370 against the Ryzen 3 1200's 6,407 — a 0.6% lead for the Ryzen 3 1200. 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. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+9% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+19% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 8 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Summit Ridge (Zen) (2017) |
| PassMark | 6,370 | 6,407 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,013 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,327+33% | 1,000 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-8300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 3 1200 uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-8300) vs 24 (Ryzen 3 1200) — the Ryzen 3 1200 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H310,B360,H370,Q370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-8300) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470 (Ryzen 3 1200).
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 3 1200 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8300) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 3 1200). The Core i3-8300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 3 1200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop, Ryzen 3 1200 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mainstream Desktop | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-8300 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Ryzen 3 1200 debuted at $109. At current prices ($136 vs $50), the Ryzen 3 1200 is $86 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300 delivers 46.8 pts/$ vs 128.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 3 1200 — making the Ryzen 3 1200 the 92.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-8300 | Ryzen 3 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $109-21% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $136 | $50-63% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.8 | 128.1+174% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2017 |
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