CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-10325 vs Intel Core i3-9300
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 8 MB cache helps keep frequently used office applications responsive.
Gaming
Slightly better single-core speed than the 10320, but still requires a discrete GPU and is bottlenecked by PCIe 3.0.
Slightly better than the 9100 due to cache and clocks, but 4 threads remain a hard bottleneck.
Virtualization
8 threads are usable for a light VM setup, but the 65W TDP limits sustained virtualization performance.
4 threads are insufficient for meaningful virtualization.
Efficiency
Average efficiency for 14nm. AMD's competing chips at this price point draw less power for similar or better multi-core output.
The 62 W TDP makes it slightly more efficient per clock than the 65 W 9100.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- Lacks modern AVX-512 instructions
- Not designed for AI workloads
- No AI capabilities
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
- Can handle very light esports at low settings if paired with a dedicated GPU
- The 4-thread limit causes significant stuttering in modern games
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
- 8 MB L3 cache provides a tangible latency reduction
- 62 W TDP is slightly more efficient than the 65 W standard
- Higher clocks than the i3-9100 out of the box
- UHD 630 included for display output
- ECC memory support (if motherboard allows)
Cons
- OEM-exclusive, impossible to buy at retail
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- No Hyper-Threading
- Memory locked to DDR4-2400 MT/s
- Outclassed by cheap used AMD Ryzen parts
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 i3-9300
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget AM4
- Intel Core i3-9100Rival
Standard Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AFRival
Used Market Value
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10100Rival
Next-Gen Desktop
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 reviewThe i3-9300 is a minor tweak on the 9100, offering a bit more cache and slightly better efficiency, but its OEM-exclusive nature and 4-thread limit make it irrelevant for DIY builders.
Best for: The i3-9300 should only be considered if you are purchasing a pre-built desktop from an OEM (like HP or Lenovo) that happens to use this chip, and the price is heavily discounted. The 8 MB cache makes it a slightly better performer than a 9100 in single-task office environments. If you are building a PC yourself, you cannot buy this chip, and you shouldn't try to hunt it down on the grey market.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i3-10325 or Intel Core i3-9300?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-9300 leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i3-10325 and Intel Core i3-9300.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-9300 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-10325 (65 W), Intel Core i3-9300 (62 W).
Do Intel Core i3-10325 and Intel Core i3-9300 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-10325: LGA 1200, Intel Core i3-9300: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-9300 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-10325 (0), Intel Core i3-9300 (5,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.