Core i3-10100 vs Core i3-10305T

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 i3-10100 vs Core i3-10305T 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 i3-10100 vs Core i3-10305T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10100

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $21 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 69.9 vs 59.5 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i3-10305T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i3-10305T

2021

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-10100 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,512 vs 8,526).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 59.5 vs 69.9 PassMark/$ ($143 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-10100 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-10100.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10100 better than Core i3-10305T?

Yes. Core i3-10100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-10100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.3% 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 i3-10100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-10100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-10100 comes in $21 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $143 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 17.4% better value on MSRP (69.9 vs 59.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10305T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10100 vs Core i3-10305T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10100

The Core i3-10100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,526 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i3-10305T

The Core i3-10305T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,512 points. Launch price was $143.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-10100 and Core i3-10305T share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-10100 versus 4 GHz on the Core i3-10305T — a 7.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-10100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-10100 uses the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-10305T uses Comet Lake-R (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10100 scores 8,526 against the Core i3-10305T's 8,512 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-10100. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-10305T.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i3-10305T
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+7%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+20%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-S (2020)	Comet Lake-R (2021)
PassMark	8,526	8,512
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,612	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,430	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,300	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i3-10305T
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-10100) / not specified (Core i3-10305T). The Core i3-10100 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-10305T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-10100 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-10100 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i3-10305T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10100 was priced at $122, while the Core i3-10305T came in at $143. On launch pricing ($122 vs $143), Core i3-10100 was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100 delivers 69.9 pts/$ vs 59.5 pts/$ for the Core i3-10305T — making the Core i3-10100 the 16% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10100	Core i3-10305T
MSRP	$122-15%	$143
Performance per Dollar	69.9+17%	59.5
Release Date	2020	2021

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