Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-8500
Core i3-N305
Core i5-8500
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 i5-8500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($309) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-8500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+283%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($309) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 i5-8500
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.
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)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-N (2023) | Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 9,600 | 9,521 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-N305 launched at $309 MSRP, while the Core i5-8500 debuted at $192. At current prices ($309 vs $80), the Core i5-8500 is $229 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-N305 delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 119.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-8500 — making the Core i5-8500 the 117.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-N305 | Core i5-8500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $309 | $192-38% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $309 | $80-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 31.1 | 119.0+283% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2018 |
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