Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-10400T
Core i3-N305
Core i5-10400T
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. The Core i3-N305 is positioned at rank #681 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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-N305
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10400T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-10400T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($309) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-10400T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+215%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($309) | ✅ 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-N305 and Core i5-10400T
Core i3-N305
The Core i3-N305 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,600 points. Launch price was $309.
Core i5-10400T
The Core i5-10400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2020 (5 years ago). It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,789 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i3-N305 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-10400T offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i3-N305 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-N305 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-10400T — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-N305 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-N305 is built on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-N305 scores 9,600 against the Core i5-10400T's 9,789 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i5-10400T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N305 vs 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-10400T.
| Feature | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-10400T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+6% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 0.1 GHz | 2 GHz+1900% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per module) | — |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-N (2023) | — |
| PassMark | 9,600 | 9,789+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,272 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-N305 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-10400T uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-10400T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | 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-N305) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10400T). The Core i5-10400T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-N305 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10400T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10400T rivals Ryzen 5 3400GE.
| Feature | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-10400T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-N305 launched at $309 MSRP, while the Core i5-10400T debuted at $182. At current prices ($309 vs $100), the Core i5-10400T is $209 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-N305 delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 97.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-10400T — making the Core i5-10400T the 103.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-10400T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $309 | $182-41% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $309 | $100-68% |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.1 | 97.9+215% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2020 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-N305 and Core i5-10400T
