CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-10325 vs Intel Core i3-8300T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-10325 is a specialized 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor from the Comet Lake-R generation, released in March 2021. While architecturally identical to the earlier Comet Lake parts, the "-R" suffix denoted a refresh specifically targeted at OEMs to extend the lifespan of the LGA 1200 platform just as Intel was launching its 11th-generation Rocket Lake processors. It featured a notable clock speed bump, operating at a 3.9 GHz base frequency and boosting up to 4.7 GHz. Unlike many other i3 parts that were limited to older chipsets, the i3-10325 carried official support for both Intel 400-series and 500-series chipsets, making it highly flexible for system integrators. It maintained a 65W PL1 power limit with a 90W PL2 boost limit, paired with 8MB of L3 cache, dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory support, and the aging UHD Graphics 630. It also notably included Intel SGX (Software Guard Extensions), a feature aimed at enterprise security. This made it a reliable, cost-effective drop-in upgrade for businesses looking to modernize fleet hardware without completely overhauling their motherboard inventories.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The high boost clock makes everyday office tasks feel extremely responsive, though DDR4-2666 limits heavy data crunching.
The larger cache makes desktop interactions and application loading feel slightly snappier than the 6MB 8100T.
Gaming
Slightly better single-core speed than the 10320, but still requires a discrete GPU and is bottlenecked by PCIe 3.0.
The 8MB cache helps slightly, but the lack of Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading makes it unsuitable for gaming.
Virtualization
8 threads are usable for a light VM setup, but the 65W TDP limits sustained virtualization performance.
8MB cache helps with VM context switching, but 4 threads is still a severe bottleneck.
Efficiency
Average efficiency for 14nm. AMD's competing chips at this price point draw less power for similar or better multi-core output.
Matches the i3-8100T's excellent efficiency profile.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Lacks modern AVX-512 instructions
- Not designed for AI workloads
- No AI hardware.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock is too slow for meaningful inference.
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD 630 is not for gaming
- CPU can handle budget dGPUs without major issues
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 for future GPU upgrades
- Not intended for gaming.
- Fixed 3.2 GHz clock prevents acceptable frame rates in modern titles.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 8MB L3 cache is larger than retail i3 alternatives
- 3.2 GHz fixed clock is 100 MHz higher than 8100T
- Low 35W power draw
- UHD Graphics 630 included
- Often cheap on the used market
Cons
- OEM-only, no retail warranty
- No Turbo Boost
- No Hyper-Threading
- Still only 4 threads
- DDR4-2400 memory limit
- PCIe 3.0 only
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i3-8300T
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400TRival
OEM Low-Power
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-8100Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low-Power Desktop
The 10th gen successor adds Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost.
Compare head-to-headN/A
A Coffee Lake refresh option with better clocks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA uniquely configured OEM chip that offers more cache than the retail i3-8100T. While still limited by no Turbo Boost or Hyper-Threading, the 8MB cache makes it the best performing 35W 8th gen i3.
Best for: Finding one salvaged from an OEM PC to use as a cheap LGA 1151v2 upgrade, as it outperforms the retail i3-8100T.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-10325 or Intel Core i3-8300T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-10325 comes out ahead with a score of 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 i3-10325 or Intel Core i3-8300T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-10325 leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i3-10325 and Intel Core i3-8300T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-8300T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-10325 (65 W), Intel Core i3-8300T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i3-10325 and Intel Core i3-8300T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-10325: LGA 1200, Intel Core i3-8300T: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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.