CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-10105 vs Intel Core i3-10325
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-10105 is a 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor featuring a 3.7 GHz base clock, 4.4 GHz boost, and UHD Graphics 630, built on the 14nm Comet Lake-R architecture for the LGA 1200 socket.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Easily handles word processing, spreadsheets, and web applications. Multi-threaded tasks like video encoding reveal its 4-core limitations.
The high boost clock makes everyday office tasks feel extremely responsive, though DDR4-2666 limits heavy data crunching.
Gaming
When paired with a dedicated GPU, it can handle 1080p eSports titles well, but it will bottleneck more demanding modern AAA games.
Slightly better single-core speed than the 10320, but still requires a discrete GPU and is bottlenecked by PCIe 3.0.
Virtualization
Can run a lightweight VM or two, but 8 threads and 6MB of cache restrict complex virtualization setups.
8 threads are usable for a light VM setup, but the 65W TDP limits sustained virtualization performance.
Efficiency
The 14nm process is less power-efficient than newer 10nm or 7nm competing chips, drawing more power per clock.
Average efficiency for 14nm. AMD's competing chips at this price point draw less power for similar or better multi-core output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks AVX-512 support found on higher-tier Comet Lake parts
- Suitable only for basic CPU-based inference
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Lacks modern AVX-512 instructions
- Not designed for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU for any meaningful 3D gaming
- eSports titles like CS:GO and Valorant run smoothly
- CPU bottleneck becomes apparent in GPU-heavy 1080p scenarios
- 4 cores are becoming the strict minimum for modern titles
- UHD 630 is not for gaming
- CPU can handle budget dGPUs without major issues
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 for future GPU upgrades
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Included UHD Graphics 630 for display flexibility
- Low 65W TDP keeps cooling simple
- Compatible with both 400 and 500 series motherboards
- Affordable on the used market
- Solid single-threaded performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory controller capped at DDR4-2666
- Only 6MB of L3 cache
- Older 14nm manufacturing process
- Outperformed by cheaper newer AMD alternatives
- No PCIe 4.0 support for modern NVMe drives
Pros
- High 4.7 GHz boost clock for snappy responsiveness
- Official support for newer 500-series chipsets
- Intel SGX for enterprise security enclaves
- Efficient 65W power profile
- Flexible drop-in option for OEMs
Cons
- Launched after 11th-gen, making it immediately outdated
- DDR4-2666 memory speed severely limits performance
- Still uses PCIe 3.0
- OEM-focused, hard to find at retail
- More expensive at launch ($154) than vastly superior 11th-gen parts
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-10105
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i3-11100Rival
Next-Gen Budget
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
Saves money if a dedicated GPU is already planned for the build.
Compare head-to-headAdds 2 more cores for significantly better multi-threaded performance at a slightly higher price.
Compare head-to-headA massive architectural leap if upgrading to the LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Far superior 6-core/12-thread performance for modern gaming and productivity.
Intel Core i3-10325
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10100Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300GRival
Budget Desktop APU
Offers a massive IPC uplift, PCIe 4.0, and DDR4-3200 support on the same LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Doubles the core count and offers significantly better multi-threaded performance for a similar price.
- Intel Core i5-11400Alt
A 6-core 11th-gen part that shares the 500-series chipset support but offers much better productivity performance.
- AMD Ryzen 3 4100Alt
A modern Zen 2-based chip that provides better efficiency and upgradeability on the AM4 platform.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid entry-level processor that served as a reliable budget option in 2021, though it is now outpaced by newer architectures and limited by PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-2666 memory speeds.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 system on a very tight budget where the CPU can be found used at a steep discount.
Read the full reviewA niche OEM stopgap that offered slight clock improvements and newer chipset support, but it was quickly outclassed by 11th-gen alternatives.
Best for: Buying an Intel Core i3-10325 for a custom PC build in today's market makes very little sense. If you are purchasing a pre-built desktop or a barebones system that already includes this processor, it remains a solid performer for office work, homeschooling, and general home use. The 4.7 GHz boost clock ensures that snappy day-to-day responsiveness is present. However, if you are sourcing parts individually, you should absolutely opt for the 11th-generation Core i3-12100 or the i5-11400. Those processors offer significantly better IPC, DDR4-3200 memory support, and PCIe 4.0, often at similar or lower price points. The i3-10325's DDR4-2666 memory limitation is its biggest liability, holding back both CPU and integrated graphics performance. Only consider this chip if you are upgrading a locked OEM system that specifically requires a 400 or 500-series compatible CPU with these exact power characteristics.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-10105 or Intel Core i3-10325?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-10105 comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i3-10105 or Intel Core i3-10325?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-10325 leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i3-10105 and Intel Core i3-10325.
Do Intel Core i3-10105 and Intel Core i3-10325 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1200 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-10325 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-10325 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.