The Intel Core i3-9300 is best-known as a desktop processor, however, it also can find its way into servers. After we did the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus Ultimate Customization Guide, we received requests to take a look at the higher-end Core i3-9300 and see how it performs. While this is not the fastest processor Intel makes, it is a low-cost option that works with Intel’s server firmware and can be found in the same sockets as the Xeon E-2200 series. We decided to give it a try and see what it offers.
Intel Core i3-9300 Overview
Key stats for the Intel Core i3-9300: 4 cores / 4 threads with a 3.7GHz base clock and 4.3GHz turbo boost. There is 8MB of onboard cache. The CPU features a 62W TDP. These are $143 list price parts.
Here is what the lscpu output looks like for an Intel Core i3-9300:
When comparing this part to the $97 Intel Core i3-9100F we reviewed, the i3-9300 adds a modest 100MHz base and turbo clock boost which likely does not warrant a $50 premium. It, however, also adds an iGPU as well as 2MB of cache giving this chip a third more cache than its numerically lower alternative. Incidentally, it adds those capabilities with a 3W lower TDP.
For those coming from the previous generation, the Intel Core i3-8300 did not have Turbo boost which was a feature added in this generation. Looking ahead, the 10th Gen Intel Core Series will add Hyper-Threading (finally) to this line.
What is perhaps most interesting is that this sets up a scenario where the Core i3-9300 has an iGPU and higher base clocks than the Intel Xeon E-2224. The Xeon part costs more and has higher turbo clocks along with a few features such as TXT. Both support ECC UDIMMs in server platforms and have 4 cores/ 4 threads so we expect an interesting race.
Test Configuration
Here is our basic configuration for this class of CPU:
- Motherboard: Supemicro X11SCA-F
- CPU: Intel Core i3-9300
- RAM: 4x 8GB DDR4-2666 ECC UDIMMs (DDR4-2400 speeds for the Core i3)
- SSD: Intel DC S3710 400GB
- SATADOM: Supermicro 32GB SATADOM
We see these platforms using 32GB or less given cost sensitivities.
There are going to be folks who want to point to AMD alternatives. As of this writing, there are really no alternatives in this space because while AMD may have competitive CPU parts, vendors have a vibrant Intel Xeon E-2100/ E-2200/ Core i3 ecosystem while AMD has a one off-board or two. AMD needs to do some work here to catch up, but it is not a focus market for them. We are going to still add some results from our ASRock Rack X470D4U Review where we tested three low-cost Ryzen chips in a server platform. Single socket servers in this segment are a relatively low volume area.
Next, we are going to take a look at our Intel Core i3-9100F benchmarks, we are then going to focus on power consumption then conclude with our final words on the processors.
Reading this review today I feel like you guys are releasing these in some kind o’ order. You’re releasing this just ‘co-incidentally’ a few days after your X470D4U Ryzen server review? I don’t buy it. You’re ordering these reviews on purpose.
RedManFam – If you are suggesting that we have a content plan, I can assure you we do. It gets updated (often) as new developments occur, but there is a plan.
FYI, Intel has disabled ECC in the new i3s.
Hello. Could you please verify this CPU is vulnerable to Meltdown? Intel lists is as B0 revision what might be the same B0 as Kaby Lake. Thank you.
Powershell script:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4073119/protect-against-speculative-execution-side-channel-vulnerabilities-in
For a home server I am looking for a setup with low power consumption while the CPU is idle, as I am assuming that this is the most important figure concerning power costs. Comparing this article with the earlier test of the G5400 the idle power consumption differs by 6W! The article says that the same board was used.
May I ask if this was really the same setup? There are so many factors impacting idle power like fans, enabled ports and so on. Is the difference of 2 cores and 2MB cache causing a difference in idle power of 6W? I would also be interested in a comparison with the E-2236. Does anybody have numbers concerning this?