Core i3-10325 vs Core i5-8600K
Core i3-10325
Core i5-8600K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-10325
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-10325 | Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-R (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-10325 | Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+28%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-10325 and Core i5-8600K
Core i3-10325
The Core i3-10325 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 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 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: 10,291 points. Launch price was $154.
Core i5-8600K
The Core i5-8600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,134 points. Launch price was $257.
Processing Power
The Core i3-10325 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-8600K offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-8600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i3-10325 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i5-8600K — a 8.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-10325 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-10325 uses the Comet Lake-R (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-8600K uses Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10325 scores 10,291 against the Core i5-8600K's 10,134 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i3-10325. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-10325 vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8600K.
| Feature | Core i3-10325 | Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+9% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+8% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 9 MB (total)+13% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake-R (2021) | Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 10,291+2% | 10,134 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,550 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-10325 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8600K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-10325 | Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-10325) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8600K). The Core i5-8600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-10325 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-8600K rivals Ryzen 5 2600X.
| Feature | Core i3-10325 | Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-10325 launched at $154 MSRP, while the Core i5-8600K debuted at $257. At current prices ($130 vs $100), the Core i5-8600K is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-10325 delivers 79.2 pts/$ vs 101.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-8600K — making the Core i5-8600K the 24.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-10325 | Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $154-40% | $257 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $130 | $100-23% |
| Performance per Dollar | 79.2 | 101.3+28% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2017 |
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