Core i3-N305 vs Xeon D-1718T

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 Xeon D-1718T 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 Xeon D-1718T: 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

✅Draws 15W instead of 46W, a 31W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of FCBGA2227 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (9,600 vs 9,674).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1718T, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 16 PCIe lanes.
❌
2.3% HIGHER MSRP
$309 MSRPvs$302 MSRP

Xeon D-1718T

2022

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 16 PCIe lanes vs 0.
✅Costs $7 less on MSRP ($302 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌206.7% higher power demand at 46W vs 15W.
❌Older platform position on FCBGA2227 with DDR4, while Core i3-N305 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-N305 better than Xeon D-1718T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1718T makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-N305 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1718T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i3-N305 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-N305 comes in 2.3% more expensive on MSRP at $309 MSRP versus $302 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon D-1718T only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 2.3% in the shared gaming data.

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 2022) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of FCBGA2227. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-N305 vs Xeon D-1718T 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.

Xeon D-1718T

The Xeon D-1718T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2227. Thermal design power (TDP): 46 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,674 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-N305 packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon D-1718T offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i3-N305 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-N305 versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon D-1718T — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-N305 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2.6 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 Xeon D-1718T's 9,674 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon D-1718T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N305 vs 10 MB on the Xeon D-1718T.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Xeon D-1718T
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+100%	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+9%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	0.1 GHz	2.6 GHz+2500%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	10 MB+67%
L2 Cache	2 MB (per module)	—
Process	Intel 7 nm-30%	10 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	—
PassMark	9,600	9,674
Geekbench 6 Single	—	900
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,500

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-N305 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon D-1718T uses FCBGA2227 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Xeon D-1718T
Socket	FCBGA1264	FCBGA2227
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2933
Max RAM Capacity	—	256 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-N305) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon D-1718T). Primary use case: Xeon D-1718T targets Server/Edge.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Xeon D-1718T
Integrated GPU	—	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	Yes
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Server/Edge

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-N305 was priced at $309, while the Xeon D-1718T came in at $302. On launch pricing ($309 vs $302), Xeon D-1718T was $7 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-N305 delivers 31.1 pts/$ vs 32.0 pts/$ for the Xeon D-1718T — making the Xeon D-1718T the 3.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-N305	Xeon D-1718T
MSRP	$309	$302-2%
Performance per Dollar	31.1	32.0+3%
Release Date	2023	2022

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