CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-10105F vs Intel Core i3-10350K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-10105F is a budget-focused 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor that removes the integrated graphics to achieve a $97 launch price, built on 14nm Comet Lake-R silicon for dedicated gaming builds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles standard office work and web browsing fine, but the lack of an iGPU means no hardware video encoding acceleration for quick sync.
Fast at single-threaded tasks due to high clocks, but the 4-core limit will bottleneck heavy productivity workloads.
Gaming
When paired with a mid-range GPU, it delivers smooth eSports performance and playable 1080p experience in older AAA titles, though modern heavy games will be CPU-limited.
When paired with a good GPU and overclocked, it can deliver solid 1080p gaming frame rates, though 4 cores are starting to show their age in modern titles.
Virtualization
Same 8-thread virtualization capability as the 10105, adequate for a single light VM.
8 threads are usable, but the platform cost makes it a poor choice for a homelab compared to AMD alternatives.
Efficiency
Efficiency is comparable to the 10105; the disabled iGPU saves a negligible amount of power under load.
Overclocking destroys efficiency. At stock 91W, it draws more power than a 6-core Ryzen 5 3600 that outperforms it.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No iGPU means no Intel Quick Sync for video AI workloads
- CPU-bound inference is slow on 4 cores
- No AI acceleration
- AVX-512 is not supported
- Not suitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU to function
- Excellent frame rates in CPU-light eSports titles
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in CPU-intensive games
- 4 cores/8 threads are the bare minimum for modern gaming
- High clock speeds benefit eSports titles significantly
- Modern AAA games will be limited by the 4-core count
- Requires a dedicated GPU; the UHD 630 is useless for gaming
- Overclocking can squeeze out extra frames
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low launch price of $97
- No compromise on CPU performance versus the 10105
- Full x16 PCIe 3.0 bandwidth for the GPU
- Low 65W power draw
- Enables viable sub-$400 gaming PC builds
Cons
- System will not boot without a discrete GPU
- No Intel Quick Sync video encoding
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory capped at DDR4-2666
- 14nm process is power-hungry compared to competitors
- Limited to 4 cores for modern gaming
Pros
- First ever unlocked i3, historic milestone
- Massive overclocking headroom on air and water
- Very high 4.8 GHz stock boost clock
- Fun platform for learning BIOS tuning
- No power limits out of the box
Cons
- Requires an expensive Z490/Z590 motherboard
- More expensive platform total than a faster i5-10400F
- Only 4 cores limit modern gaming and productivity
- DDR4-2666 memory speed cap
- High power draw when overclocked
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-10105F
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Gaming
- Intel Core i3-11100FRival
Next-Gen Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500Rival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400FRival
Mainstream Gaming
A generational leap in IPC and gaming performance if moving to the LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
The best value 6-core option for modern gaming, offering much better longevity.
Only if you absolutely need integrated graphics as a backup.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i3-10350K
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mid-Range Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400FRival
Budget Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AFRival
Budget Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10600KRival
Mainstream Overclocking
If you want to overclock, this 11th-gen part offers 6 cores and PCIe 4.0.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Vastly superior modern gaming performance on a budget-friendly AM4 platform.
Better stock gaming performance than the 10350K without needing an expensive Z-series motherboard.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An exceptional value proposition in its time, stripping the iGPU to offer the cheapest entry point into dedicated gaming on the LGA 1200 platform, though now overshadowed by newer architectures.
Best for: Finding one used for under $30 to revive an old LGA 1200 gaming rig or complete a ultra-low-budget build with spare parts.
Read the full reviewA fun and historic overclocking chip, but practically outclassed by cheaper locked i5 processors in stock performance.
Best for: The Intel Core i3-10350K is a processor you should only buy if you are specifically interested in overclocking as a hobby. If your goal is pure gaming or productivity performance per dollar, this chip is a poor choice. Because it requires an expensive Z490 or Z590 motherboard to utilize its unlocked multiplier, the total platform cost far exceeds that of a locked i5-10400F on a cheap B460 board, which will outperform it in any multi-threaded workload. Furthermore, the DDR4-2666 memory speed limit severely hampers its integrated graphics performance, though this is irrelevant if you are pairing it with a discrete GPU. If you are an enthusiast who wants to delve into BIOS tuning, voltage adjustments, and manual overclocking without spending i7 or i9 money, the 10350K remains a highly entertaining sandbox. Otherwise, look toward modern alternatives.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-10105F or Intel Core i3-10350K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-10105F comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i3-10105F or Intel Core i3-10350K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-10350K leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i3-10105F and Intel Core i3-10350K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-10105F has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-10105F (65 W), Intel Core i3-10350K (91 W).
Do Intel Core i3-10105F and Intel Core i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-10350K (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.