Core i5-10310U vs FX-8350

Intel

Core i5-10310U

4 Cores8 Thrd1 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020
Core family
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VS
AMD

FX-8350

8 Cores8 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i5-10310U vs FX-8350 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-10310U vs FX-8350 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 i5-10310U vs FX-8350: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-10310U

2020

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 125W, a 124W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics for 10th Gen, while FX-8350 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8350 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,864 vs 5,936).

FX-8350

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $199 MSRP, while Core i5-10310U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 12400% higher power demand at 125W vs 1W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-10310U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8350 better than Core i5-10310U?
Yes. FX-8350 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-8350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.0% 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, FX-8350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-8350 is the better buy right now. FX-8350 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $199 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (29.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-10310U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-10310U vs FX-8350 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-10310U

The Core i5-10310U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,864 points. Launch price was $149.

AMD

FX-8350

The FX-8350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,936 points. Launch price was $199.

Processing Power

The Core i5-10310U packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8350 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8350 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-10310U versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-8350 — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-10310U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i5-10310U uses the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-10310U scores 5,864 against the FX-8350's 5,936 — a 1.2% lead for the FX-8350.

FeatureCore i5-10310UFX-8350
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz+5%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
1.7 GHz
4 GHz+135%
L3 Cache
6 MB
L2 Cache
1 MB
8192 kB+700%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Comet Lake-U (2019−2020)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
5,864
5,936+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,284
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-10310U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-10310UFX-8350
Socket
FCBGA1528
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-10310U) / not specified (FX-8350). The Core i5-10310U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 10th Gen), while the FX-8350 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-10310U targets Business Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-10310U rivals Ryzen 5 PRO 4650U.

FeatureCore i5-10310UFX-8350
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics for 10th Gen
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Business Laptop