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 i3-10100F vs Core i5-8500B 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 i3-10100F vs Core i5-8500B: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10100F

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $104 less on MSRP ($88 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Delivers 113.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 99.0 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($88 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,714 vs 8,900).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 9 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-8500B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-8500B

2018

Why buy it

✅+2.1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i3-10100F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-10100F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 46.4 vs 99.0 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $88 MSRP).
❌6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10100F better than Core i5-8500B?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-10100F is ahead with a 9.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-8500B pulls ahead with 2.1% better PassMark. Core i5-8500B also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-8500B is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i3-10100F is the better buy right now. Core i3-10100F comes in $104 cheaper on MSRP at $88 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-8500B is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.1% better PassMark. It is also 113.6% better value on MSRP (99.0 vs 46.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10100F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10100F vs Core i5-8500B Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10100F

The Core i3-10100F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) 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. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,714 points. Launch price was $122.

Core i5-8500B

The Core i5-8500B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,900 points. Launch price was $192.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-10100F packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-8500B offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-8500B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-10100F versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8500B — a 4.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-10100F (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-10100F uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-8500B uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10100F scores 8,714 against the Core i5-8500B's 8,900 — a 2.1% lead for the Core i5-8500B. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i3-10100F vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500B.

Feature	Core i3-10100F	Core i5-8500B
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+5%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+20%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	9 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	8,714	8,900+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,364

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10100F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8500B uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. The Core i3-10100F supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 400 series (Core i3-10100F) and H310,B360,H370,Z370,Q370 (Core i5-8500B).

Feature	Core i3-10100F	Core i5-8500B
Socket	LGA1200	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-10100F) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8500B). The Core i5-8500B includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-10100F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8500B targets Mini PC/Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-8500B rivals Ryzen 5 2600.

Feature	Core i3-10100F	Core i5-8500B
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Mini PC/Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10100F was priced at $88, while the Core i5-8500B came in at $192. On launch pricing ($88 vs $192), Core i3-10100F was $104 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10100F delivers 99.0 pts/$ vs 46.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-8500B — making the Core i3-10100F the 72.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10100F	Core i5-8500B
MSRP	$88-54%	$192
Performance per Dollar	99.0+113%	46.4
Release Date	2020	2018

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