Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-8500

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-N305 vs Core i5-8500 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-N305 vs Core i5-8500: 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-N305

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 9 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 31.1 vs 49.6 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Core i5-8500

2018

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $117 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅Delivers 59.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.6 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-N305 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (9,521 vs 9,600).
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i3-N305 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-N305 better than Core i5-8500?

Yes. Core i3-N305 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better 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-N305 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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-N305 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i3-N305 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-N305 comes in 60.9% more expensive on MSRP at $309 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-8500 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 59.6% better value on paper (49.6 vs 31.1 PassMark/$), 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-N305 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/6. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-8500 Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-8500

The Core i5-8500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,521 points. Launch price was $202.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-N305 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-8500 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i3-N305 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-N305 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8500 — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-8500 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-N305 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i5-8500 uses Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-N305 scores 9,600 against the Core i5-8500's 9,521 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-N305. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N305 vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-8500.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-8500
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 6
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.1 GHz+8%
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	3 GHz+2900%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	9 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per module)	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
PassMark	9,600	9,521

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-N305 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-8500 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-8500
Socket	FCBGA1264	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-N305 was priced at $309, while the Core i5-8500 came in at $192. On launch pricing ($309 vs $192), Core i5-8500 was $117 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-N305 delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 49.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-8500 — making the Core i5-8500 the 45.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-8500
MSRP	$309	$192-38%
Performance per Dollar	31.1	49.6+59%
Release Date	2023	2018

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