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 i3-10105 vs Core i7-3930K 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 i3-10105 vs Core i7-3930K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10105

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $461 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 380.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 67.6 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 130W, a 65W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-3930K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,204 vs 8,242).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 67.6 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌100% higher power demand at 130W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-10105 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10105 better than Core i7-3930K?

Yes. Core i3-10105 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-10105 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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 i3-10105 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-10105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-10105 comes in $461 cheaper on MSRP at $122 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 380.1% better value on MSRP (67.6 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10105 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-10105 vs Core i7-3930K Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10105

The Core i3-10105 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,242 points. Launch price was $122.

Core i7-3930K

The Core i7-3930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,204 points. Launch price was $611.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-10105 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3930K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-3930K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-10105 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K — a 14.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-10105 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-10105 uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3930K uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10105 scores 8,242 against the Core i7-3930K's 8,204 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-10105. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10105 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-3930K.

Feature	Core i3-10105	Core i7-3930K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+16%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+16%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-R (2021)	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
PassMark	8,242	8,204
Geekbench 6 Single	—	731

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10105 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3930K uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i3-10105 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3930K — the Core i3-10105 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-10105 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-10105) vs 4 (Core i7-3930K). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-10105) vs 40 (Core i7-3930K) — the Core i7-3930K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-10105	Core i7-3930K
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+67%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	40+150%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-10105) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3930K). The Core i3-10105 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-10105 targets Desktop, Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i3-10105	Core i7-3930K
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	HEDT Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10105 was priced at $122, while the Core i7-3930K came in at $583. On launch pricing ($122 vs $583), Core i3-10105 was $461 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10105 delivers 67.6 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-3930K — making the Core i3-10105 the 131% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10105	Core i7-3930K
MSRP	$122-79%	$583
Performance per Dollar	67.6+379%	14.1
Release Date	2021	2011

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