Core i5-10210U vs Microsoft SQ1

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 i5-10210U vs Microsoft SQ1 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 i5-10210U vs Microsoft SQ1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-10210U

2019

Why buy it

✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 6,071).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i5-10210U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-10210U better than Microsoft SQ1?

Yes. Core i5-10210U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-10210U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i5-10210U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i5-10210U is still the faster CPU overall, but Microsoft SQ1 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-10210U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Microsoft SQ1 is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Microsoft SQ1 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-10210U vs Microsoft SQ1 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-10210U

The Core i5-10210U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,071 points. Launch price was $149.

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-10210U packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-10210U versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-10210U. The Core i5-10210U uses the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10210U scores 6,071 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-10210U. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-10210U vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.

Feature	Core i5-10210U	Microsoft SQ1
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+40%	3 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+200%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	7 nm-50%
Architecture	Comet Lake-U (2019−2020)	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)
PassMark	6,071	6,039