Core i3-10305 vs Xeon D-1557

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 i3-10305 vs Xeon D-1557 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 i3-10305 vs Xeon D-1557: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10305

2021

Why buy it

✅+433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon D-1557 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Xeon D-1557.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,210 vs 9,285).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1557, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Xeon D-1557 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Xeon D-1557

2016

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-10305 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-10305.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10305 better than Xeon D-1557?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1557 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-10305 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1557 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i3-10305 is the better buy right now. Core i3-10305 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon D-1557 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.8% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (61.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-10305 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2016) and 433.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 1.5 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10305 vs Xeon D-1557 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10305

The Core i3-10305 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 9,210 points. Launch price was $149.

Xeon D-1557

The Xeon D-1557 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 9,285 points. Launch price was $694.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-10305 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1557 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Xeon D-1557 has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i3-10305 versus 2.1 GHz on the Xeon D-1557 — a 72.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-10305 (base: 3.8 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-10305 uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1557 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10305 scores 9,210 against the Xeon D-1557's 9,285 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon D-1557. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-10305 vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1557.

Feature	Core i3-10305	Xeon D-1557
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	12 / 24+200%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+114%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+153%	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+433%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-R (2021)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	9,210	9,285
Geekbench 6 Single	1,536	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10305 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1557 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-10305	Xeon D-1557
Socket	LGA1200	FCBGA1667
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 (Core i3-10305) / not specified (Xeon D-1557). The Core i3-10305 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon D-1557 requires a dedicated GPU.