Quick Verdict
A solid entry-level processor that served as a reliable budget option in 2021, though it is now outpaced by newer architectures and limited by PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-2666 memory speeds.
Overview
Launch
2021
Status
ActiveGeneration
10th Gen Core i3 (Comet Lake-R)
Market
Mainstream Desktop
The Intel Core i3-10105 is a 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor featuring a 3.7 GHz base clock, 4.4 GHz boost, and UHD Graphics 630, built on the 14nm Comet Lake-R architecture for the LGA 1200 socket.
The Core i3-10105 launched in March 2021 as a minor refresh to the 10th generation lineup, offering slight clock speed improvements over the i3-10100. It features 4 cores, 8 threads, a 4.4 GHz single-core boost, and 6MB of L3 cache.
The integrated UHD Graphics 630 ensures display output without a dedicated GPU, making it versatile for non-gaming builds.
Specifications
Performance
Easily handles word processing, spreadsheets, and web applications. Multi-threaded tasks like video encoding reveal its 4-core limitations.
Can run a lightweight VM or two, but 8 threads and 6MB of cache restrict complex virtualization setups.
When paired with a dedicated GPU, it can handle 1080p eSports titles well, but it will bottleneck more demanding modern AAA games.
The 14nm process is less power-efficient than newer 10nm or 7nm competing chips, drawing more power per clock.
- •Requires a dedicated GPU for any meaningful 3D gaming
- •eSports titles like CS:GO and Valorant run smoothly
- •CPU bottleneck becomes apparent in GPU-heavy 1080p scenarios
- •4 cores are becoming the strict minimum for modern titles
- •No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- •Lacks AVX-512 support found on higher-tier Comet Lake parts
- •Suitable only for basic CPU-based inference
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Comet Lake-R
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i3-10105 is built on the Comet Lake-R silicon, which itself is a highly refined iteration of the Skylake architecture. It utilizes a ring bus interconnect to connect its 4 cores to the 6MB of shared L3 cache, prioritizing low-latency access over the mesh architectures used in larger dies.
CPU Design
Four symmetric Skylake-derived cores, each with 64KB L1 and 256KB L2 cache, paired with Hyper-Threading to yield 8 logical threads. The cores operate at a 100MHz base clock (BCLK) with a 37x multiplier, boosting up to 44x on a single core.
Memory Subsystem
A dual-channel integrated memory controller supporting DDR4-2666. While DDR4-3200 modules can be installed, the CPU's memory controller will downclock them to 2666 MT/s unless paired with a higher-tier Core i5 or i7.
PCIe & I/O
16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 routed directly from the CPU, typically allocated as a single x16 slot for a graphics card. The chipset provides additional PCIe 3.0 lanes for storage and peripherals.
Overclocking
The multiplier is locked. Overclocking is limited to adjusting the BCLK (which can destabilize the system) or tuning memory XMP profiles (though limited by the 2666 MT/s CPU cap).
- 100 MHz higher base clock (3.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz)
- 100 MHz higher single-core boost (4.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz)
- 100 MHz higher all-core boost (4.2 GHz vs 4.1 GHz)
Key Highlights
- Included UHD Graphics 630 for display flexibility
- Low 65W TDP keeps cooling simple
- Compatible with both 400 and 500 series motherboards
- Affordable on the used market
- Solid single-threaded performance for basic tasks
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory controller capped at DDR4-2666
- Only 6MB of L3 cache
- Older 14nm manufacturing process
- Outperformed by cheaper newer AMD alternatives
- No PCIe 4.0 support for modern NVMe drives
History
The Core i3-10105 holds a somewhat peculiar place in Intel's product timeline. Launching in March 2021, it arrived simultaneously with the flagship 11th generation Rocket Lake processors. This created an unusual market situation where Intel was selling both 10th and 11th gen chips as "new" at the same time.
</br></br>The rationale was purely economic and strategic. The 14nm Comet Lake silicon was incredibly cheap for Intel to produce by 2021, having been in high-volume manufacturing for years. By refreshing the clock speeds slightly and keeping the LGA 1200 platform, Intel could offer extremely cheap processors to OEMs like Dell and HP, who needed bottom-tier components for their budget office lines.
</br></br>For DIY PC builders, the i3-10105 was harder to recommend over the slightly more expensive 11th gen i3-11100, which brought PCIe 4.0 and the newer Cypress Cove core architecture. However, the 10105 found its niche in pre-built systems, where the margin differences mattered more to manufacturers than the architectural improvements.
It stands as a testament to the longevity of the Skylake core, which powered everything from 6th gen to 10th gen desktop i3s.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 100 MHz higher base clock (3.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz)
- 100 MHz higher single-core boost (4.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz)
- 100 MHz higher all-core boost (4.2 GHz vs 4.1 GHz)
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an existing LGA 1200 system on a very tight budget where the CPU can be found used at a steep discount.
Avoid if…
- Building a completely new PC from scratch
- Playing modern AAA games
- Doing any form of content creation
- Future-proofing is a concern
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Despite launching in March 2021, it used the older 10th gen architecture while the 11th gen Rocket Lake chips had already launched in the same month.
The UHD Graphics 630 is architecturally identical to the Intel HD Graphics 530 found on the 6th gen Skylake processors from 2015.
Intel restricted the memory speed to DDR4-2666 specifically for the Core i3 tier, even if a faster i7 was paired on the same motherboard.
The 14nm process used here is technically Intel's 5th major iteration of 14nm technology (14nm++).
It has a Tcase max of 100°C, which is typical for Intel but leaves very little thermal headroom for aftermarket cooling optimizations.
The part number SRH3P indicates it was a late-production Comet Lake part.
It lacks the TSX (Transactional Synchronization Extensions) instruction set that was present on some higher-end Comet Lake OEM chips like the i3-10300.
People Also Ask
Is the Intel Core i3-10105 good for gaming?
It can handle eSports and older games when paired with a dedicated GPU, but it will bottleneck modern AAA games at 1080p compared to 6-core processors.
Does the i3-10105 have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is sufficient for display output, video playback, and very basic 2D games.
What RAM speed does the i3-10105 support?
The official memory controller speed is limited to DDR4-2666 MT/s, regardless of the speed of the RAM modules installed.
Is the i3-10105 better than the i3-10100?
Yes, marginally. It features a 100 MHz higher base clock and 100 MHz higher boost clock, resulting in a small performance improvement.
Can the i3-10105 run Windows 11?
Yes, it is officially supported and meets all Windows 11 hardware requirements.
Does the i3-10105 support PCIe 4.0?
No, it is limited to PCIe 3.0. Only the 11th gen Rocket Lake and newer desktop processors support PCIe 4.0 on Intel platforms.
What socket does the i3-10105 use?
It uses the LGA 1200 socket and is compatible with Intel 400-series (like B460) and 500-series (like B560) chipsets.
How many cores does the i3-10105 have?
It has 4 physical cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
Does the i3-10105 come with a cooler?
Retail boxed versions typically include an Intel stock cooler, though OEM tray versions do not.
What is the TDP of the i3-10105?
The base TDP is 65 Watts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max temperature for the i3-10105?
The maximum junction temperature (TJ Max) is 100°C.
Can I overclock the i3-10105?
No, the CPU multiplier is locked. You can only tweak BCLK or memory, both of which are limited.
What is the L3 cache size?
6 MB of shared L3 cache.
Does it support AVX-512?
No, the desktop Core i3 tier does not support AVX-512 instructions.
What is the part number for the i3-10105?
The MM number is SRH3P.
Is DDR4-3200 compatible with this CPU?
The modules are physically compatible, but the memory controller will run them at a maximum of DDR4-2666.
How does it compare to the i3-12100?
The 12th gen i3-12100 is significantly faster due to a newer architecture, higher IPC, and faster memory support.
Can I use this CPU for a home server?
Yes, its low power draw and integrated graphics make it a decent, cheap option for a basic home server or NAS.
Does it support dual monitors?
Yes, the UHD Graphics 630 supports multiple display outputs depending on the motherboard connectors.
What generation is the i3-10105?
It is a 10th Generation Intel Core processor.