Core i3-9300 vs Core i5-1035G1

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 i3-9300 vs Core i5-1035G1 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 i3-9300 vs Core i5-1035G1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9300

2019

Why buy it

✅+36.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-1035G1.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $143 MSRP, while Core i5-1035G1 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌313.3% higher power demand at 62W vs 15W.

Core i5-1035G1

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 62W, a 47W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,100 vs 1,498).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (3,600 vs 4,025).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9300 better than Core i5-1035G1?

Yes. Core i3-9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 11.8% better Geekbench multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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 i3-9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-9300 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $143 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (49.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1035G1 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-9300 vs Core i5-1035G1 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300

The Core i3-9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,105 points. Launch price was $143.

Core i5-1035G1

The Core i5-1035G1 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1526. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,174 points. Launch price was $297.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i5-1035G1's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-9300 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-1035G1 — a 17.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i3-9300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-1035G1 uses Ice Lake (Client) (2019) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300 scores 7,105 against the Core i5-1035G1's 7,174 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-1035G1. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,498 vs 1,100, a 30.6% lead for the Core i3-9300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,025 vs 3,600 (11.1% advantage for the Core i3-9300). Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i5-1035G1
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+19%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+270%	1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ice Lake (Client) (2019)
PassMark	7,105	7,174
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,800
Geekbench 6 Single	1,498+36%	1,100
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,025+12%	3,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-1035G1 uses FCBGA1526 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300 versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-1035G1 — the Core i5-1035G1 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1151 (Core i3-9300) and Integrated PCH (Core i5-1035G1).

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i5-1035G1
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1526
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-3200+33%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i5-1035G1 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9300) and UHD Graphics G1 (Core i5-1035G1) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1035G1 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-1035G1 rivals Ryzen 5 4500U.