CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-10320 vs Intel Core i3-10325
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-10320 is a 10th-generation desktop processor built on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads. It operated at a base clock of 3.8 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.6 GHz. Positioned as an OEM-specific SKU, it was rarely found in retail packaging but powered a variety of pre-built desktop systems. The processor utilized the LGA 1200 socket and was paired with Intel 400-series chipsets. One of its most unusual characteristics is its power configuration: while Intel's ARK database historically listed its TDP as 91W, the actual PL1 (long-term power limit) is configured to 65W, with a PL2 (short-term boost) of 90W. It featured 8MB of L3 cache, dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory support, and 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 connectivity. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 provided basic display output capabilities. This made it a competent, if somewhat confusingly specified, option for everyday office work and light multitasking, though it was quickly overshadowed by the more aggressively priced i3-10100.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office suites and web apps well, but the 65W PL1 will cause throttling in long-running Excel macros or heavy multitasking.
The high boost clock makes everyday office tasks feel extremely responsive, though DDR4-2666 limits heavy data crunching.
Gaming
Requires a discrete GPU for gaming. The CPU itself can handle budget GPUs without severe bottlenecking at 1080p.
Slightly better single-core speed than the 10320, but still requires a discrete GPU and is bottlenecked by PCIe 3.0.
Virtualization
4 cores and 8 threads can run a couple of light virtual machines, but it is not ideal for dedicated lab environments.
8 threads are usable for a light VM setup, but the 65W TDP limits sustained virtualization performance.
Efficiency
The 14nm process shows its age; newer Ryzen 3 parts offer significantly better performance per watt.
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 AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks AVX-512 instructions
- Not suitable for AI workloads
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Lacks modern AVX-512 instructions
- Not designed for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 630 iGPU cannot handle modern games
- CPU performance is adequate for entry-level dedicated GPUs
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 for future GPU upgrades
- 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
- High 4.6 GHz boost clock for snappy single-thread performance
- 8 threads provide good multitasking for the price
- Low 65W sustained power draw keeps temperatures down
- Includes enterprise features like TSX and TXT
- Solid performance for basic office environments
Cons
- OEM-exclusive, difficult to buy separately
- Confusing and misleading 91W TDP labeling
- DDR4-2666 memory speed cap
- Only 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes
- Outperformed by cheaper Ryzen 3 alternatives in multi-threaded tasks
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 i3-10320
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Athlon 3000GRival
Entry Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G6600Rival
Entry Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AFRival
Budget Desktop
Nearly identical performance but available at retail for a much lower price.
Compare head-to-headAdds 2 more cores for a significant multi-threaded boost at a reasonable price.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Superior multi-core performance, PCIe 4.0, and often priced competitively.
A massive generational leap in IPC and efficiency on the LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head
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 4-core processor for basic computing, but its OEM exclusivity and confusing 91W/65W power spec make it irrelevant for custom builders.
Best for: The Intel Core i3-10320 is not a processor you should actively seek out to build a new PC, primarily because it was never intended for the retail market. If you are upgrading an existing OEM desktop that currently houses this chip, it is generally not worth the investment to swap it out for an i5 or i7 due to motherboard BIOS restrictions common in pre-built systems. However, if you are purchasing a used office PC on the cheap that contains the i3-10320, it remains surprisingly capable for everyday tasks. Its 4 cores and 8 threads, combined with a 4.6 GHz boost clock, handle web browsing, office applications, and 1080p media consumption without breaking a sweat. Just be aware of the 65W PL1 limit, which may throttle sustained workloads, and the DDR4-2666 memory speed cap, which slightly bottlenecks the integrated UHD 630 graphics. Avoid it for any serious gaming or content creation.
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 i3-10320 or Intel Core i3-10325?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-10320 comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. 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 i3-10320 or Intel Core i3-10325?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-10325 leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i3-10320 and Intel Core i3-10325.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-10325 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-10320 (91 W), Intel Core i3-10325 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i3-10320 and Intel Core i3-10325 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1200 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.