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 i5-9600T 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 i5-9600T: 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: +15.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,600 vs 9,601).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 9 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 31.1 vs 45.1 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-9600T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-9600T

2019

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $96 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅Delivers 45.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 45.1 vs 31.1 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-N305 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W 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 i5-9600T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-N305 is ahead with a 15.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9600T pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark. Core i5-9600T also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-9600T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (9 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i3-N305 is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-9600T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i3-N305 comes in 45.1% more expensive on MSRP at $309 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-9600T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0% better PassMark. Core i5-9600T is also 45.1% better value on MSRP (45.1 vs 31.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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 2019) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-N305 vs Core i5-9600T 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 i5-9600T

The Core i5-9600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 9,601 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-N305 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-9600T 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-9600T — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-9600T (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2.3 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 i5-9600T's 9,601 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-9600T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N305 vs 9 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-9600T.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-9600T
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+33%	6 / 6
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+3%
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	2.3 GHz+2200%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	9 MB Intel® Smart Cache+50%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per module)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	—
PassMark	9,600	9,601
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,344

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-N305 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i5-9600T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-9600T
Socket	FCBGA1264	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-N305) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9600T). The Core i5-9600T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-N305 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9600T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-9600T rivals Ryzen 5 2400G.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-9600T
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

At launch, the Core i3-N305 was priced at $309, while the Core i5-9600T came in at $213. On launch pricing ($309 vs $213), Core i5-9600T was $96 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-N305 delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 45.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-9600T — making the Core i5-9600T the 36.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Core i5-9600T
MSRP	$309	$213-31%
Performance per Dollar	31.1	45.1+45%
Release Date	2023	2019

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