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 i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $95 less on MSRP ($97 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Delivers 98.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 91.9 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($97 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-8500B.

Trade-offs

❌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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i3-10105F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-10105F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,900 vs 8,912).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 46.4 vs 91.9 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $97 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-10105F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10105F better than Core i5-8500B?

Yes. Core i3-10105F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i3-10105F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.4% 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 i3-10105F is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-10105F is the better buy right now. Core i3-10105F comes in $95 cheaper on MSRP at $97 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 98.2% better value on MSRP (91.9 vs 46.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10105F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/6. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-10105F vs Core i5-8500B Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10105F

The Core i3-10105F 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: 8,912 points. Launch price was $97.

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 i3-10105F 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 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-10105F versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8500B — a 7.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-10105F (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-10105F uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-8500B uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10105F scores 8,912 against the Core i5-8500B's 8,900 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-10105F. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,461 vs 1,364, a 6.9% lead for the Core i3-10105F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-10105F vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500B.

Feature	Core i3-10105F	Core i5-8500B
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+7%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+23%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	9 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-R (2021)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	8,912	8,900
Geekbench 6 Single	1,461+7%	1,364
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,503	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F 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: LGA1200 (Core i3-10105F) and H310,B360,H370,Z370,Q370 (Core i5-8500B).

Feature	Core i3-10105F	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

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-10105F) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8500B). The Core i5-8500B includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-10105F 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 i3-10105F	Core i5-8500B
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Mini PC/Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-10105F was priced at $97, while the Core i5-8500B came in at $192. On launch pricing ($97 vs $192), Core i3-10105F was $95 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10105F delivers 91.9 pts/$ vs 46.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-8500B — making the Core i3-10105F the 65.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-10105F	Core i5-8500B
MSRP	$97-49%	$192
Performance per Dollar	91.9+98%	46.4
Release Date	2021	2018

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