CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-10300 vs Intel Core i3-10325
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-10300 is an OEM-exclusive 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor featuring 8MB of L3 cache and a 62W base TDP with a high 90W PL2 turbo limit, built on 14nm Comet Lake silicon.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 8MB cache provides a noticeable uplift in applications that are sensitive to L3 cache size compared to 6MB retail parts.
The high boost clock makes everyday office tasks feel extremely responsive, though DDR4-2666 limits heavy data crunching.
Gaming
Better than a retail i3-10100 due to the extra cache, but OEM PCs with this chip rarely include a capable dedicated GPU.
Slightly better single-core speed than the 10320, but still requires a discrete GPU and is bottlenecked by PCIe 3.0.
Virtualization
The extra cache helps in VM context switching, but 8 threads is still a hard limit.
8 threads are usable for a light VM setup, but the 65W TDP limits sustained virtualization performance.
Efficiency
The 90W PL2 is inefficient for a 4-core chip, but OEMs typically lock this down, resulting in standard 65W operation.
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 hardware
- Extra cache does not significantly impact AI inference
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Lacks modern AVX-512 instructions
- Not designed for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Rarely found in systems with adequate GPUs
- Cache uplift helps minimally in gaming compared to retail i3s
- UHD 630 is not suitable for 3D gaming
- 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
- 8MB L3 cache is larger than retail i3 alternatives
- High 90W PL2 allows strong burst performance if cooled properly
- Includes TSX instructions
- UHD 630 for basic display tasks
- Can often be found cheap on the used market from scrapped PCs
Cons
- OEM-only, never sold at retail
- No official warranty for consumers
- 90W PL2 may overwhelm stock OEM coolers
- Still limited to PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-2666
- 4 cores are limiting for modern workloads
- Very difficult to find standalone
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 i3-10300
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GRival
Budget Desktop with iGPU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10100Rival
Retail Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500Rival
Mainstream Desktop
A massive leap in performance for any new build.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-10305Alt
The OEM successor with even higher clocks and the same 8MB cache.
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 capable OEM-only chip that is slightly better than its retail counterparts thanks to 8MB of L3 cache, though its 90W PL2 is an oddity for a 4-core part that most OEM coolers cannot handle.
Best for: Pulling one from a scrapped OEM PC to use in a cheap LGA 1200 build, taking advantage of the 8MB cache.
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 i3-10300 or Intel Core i3-10325?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-10300 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 i3-10300 or Intel Core i3-10325?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-10325 leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i3-10300 and Intel Core i3-10325.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-10300 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-10300 (62 W), Intel Core i3-10325 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i3-10300 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.