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 i5-8600T 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 i5-8600T: 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

✅+27.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-8600T.

Core i5-8600T

2018

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-1125G4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,224 vs 1,560).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (4,633 vs 5,112).
❌Launch MSRP is still $213 MSRP, while Core i3-1125G4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1125G4 better than Core i5-8600T?

Yes. Core i3-1125G4 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 10.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 0.9% higher 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 i3-1125G4 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 i3-1125G4 is the stronger fit. You are getting 10.3% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-1125G4 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-1125G4 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-8600T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (43.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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 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 i3-1125G4 vs Core i5-8600T Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i5-8600T

The Core i5-8600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,201 points. Launch price was $213.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1125G4 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-8600T offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i5-8600T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-1125G4 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-8600T — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-1125G4 uses the Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i5-8600T uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1125G4 scores 9,284 against the Core i5-8600T's 9,201 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-1125G4. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 5,112 vs 4,633 (9.8% advantage for the Core i3-1125G4). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,560 vs 1,224, a 24.1% lead for the Core i3-1125G4 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,770 vs 4,470 (6.5% advantage for the Core i3-1125G4). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-1125G4 vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8600T.

Feature	Core i3-1125G4	Core i5-8600T
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2.3 GHz+15%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	9 MB (total)+13%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm SuperFin-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP3 (2020−2021)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	9,284	9,201
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,112+10%	4,633
Geekbench 6 Single	1,560+27%	1,224
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,770+7%	4,470

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1125G4 uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i5-8600T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1125G4 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-8600T — the Core i3-1125G4 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-8600T 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: SoC (Core i3-1125G4) and H310,B360,H370,Q370,Z370,Z390 (Core i5-8600T).

Feature	Core i3-1125G4	Core i5-8600T
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+20%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i3-1125G4 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1125G4) vs Yes (Core i5-8600T). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics (48 EU) (Core i3-1125G4) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i5-8600T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1125G4 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i3-1125G4 rivals Ryzen 3 5300U.