Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i3-10300

Intel

Core i3-1125G4

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2021
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-10300

4 Cores8 Thrd62 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020
Core family
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Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i3-10300 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i3-10300 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 i3-1125G4 vs Core i3-10300: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1125G4

2021

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 62W, a 47W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics (48 EU), while Core i3-10300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-10300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (9,284 vs 9,290).

Core i3-10300

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +21.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • 313.3% higher power demand at 62W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1125G4 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10300 better than Core i3-1125G4?
Yes. Core i3-10300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 21.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i3-10300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 21.4% 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 i3-10300 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 i3-10300 still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-10300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 21.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-1125G4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i3-10300 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-1125G4

The Core i3-1125G4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,284 points. Launch price was $281.

Intel

Core i3-10300

The Core i3-10300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,290 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-1125G4 and Core i3-10300 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-1125G4 versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-10300 — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-10300 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i3-1125G4 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i3-10300 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1125G4 scores 9,284 against the Core i3-10300's 9,290 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-10300. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-1125G4Core i3-10300
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4.4 GHz+19%
Base Clock
2 GHz
3.7 GHz+85%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
10 nm SuperFin-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)
Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark
9,284
9,290
Cinebench R23 Multi
5,112
Geekbench 6 Single
1,560
Geekbench 6 Multi
4,770
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1125G4 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i3-10300 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-1125G4Core i3-10300
Socket
FCBGA1449
LGA1200
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1125G4) / not specified (Core i3-10300). The Core i3-1125G4 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics (48 EU)), while the Core i3-10300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1125G4 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i3-1125G4 rivals Ryzen 3 5300U.

FeatureCore i3-1125G4Core i3-10300
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics (48 EU)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Productivity