Intel Core i3-10105F vs Intel Core i5-8500 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark split between these two desktop processors is not a simple generational sweep. The Intel Core i5-8500 takes 12 of the 19 head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core i3-10105F claims 7. The pattern, however, is telling. The i5-8500 dominates in threaded rendering workloads, extended instruction throughput, and physics simulation. The i3-10105F wins in single-threaded PassMark tests, integer math, and Geekbench, particularly in single-core performance.

For users running Cinebench-family workloads, the i5-8500 is the clear pick. It leads by 7.2% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, and by approximately 6.5 to 7.1% in the single-core variants of those same tests. The data also shows a massive 31.2% advantage for the i5-8500 in PassMark extended instructions, and a 23.8% lead in floating-point math. These are workloads that scale with physical cores and wider execution resources.

The i3-10105F counters in integer-heavy and latency-sensitive tasks. It leads by 8.2% in PassMark integer math, 8.7% in Geekbench single-core, and 7.8% in PassMark single-thread. Its 3.4% Geekbench multi-core win suggests that its higher clock speeds and Hyper-Threading overhead can compensate for having two fewer physical cores in some workloads. The i3 also edges out the i5 in data encryption, albeit by a razor-thin 0.6%, and random string sorting by 0.7%.

The use-case split is therefore clear: the i5-8500 for rendering, scientific floating-point, and instruction-heavy extensions; the i3-10105F for lightly threaded responsive tasks, integer workloads, and single-core-sensitive applications.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process node, and both are desktop parts with a 65 W TDP. The similarities end there. The i5-8500 uses the Coffee Lake architecture with a socket 1151 interface, while the i3-10105F uses Comet Lake-R on socket 1200. The i5-8500 packs six physical cores and six threads, whereas the i3-10105F has four physical cores but eight threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. This thread advantage partially offsets the core deficit, but not fully, as the benchmark data shows.

Cache configuration differs notably. The i5-8500 has 9 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-10105F has 6 MB. Both have identical per-core L1 and L2 caches at 64 KB and 256 KB respectively. The larger L3 on the i5-8500 likely contributes to its strong showing in extended instructions and floating-point math, where larger working sets benefit from more cache.

Clock speeds favor the i3-10105F. Its base clock is 3.70 GHz versus 3.00 GHz on the i5-8500, and its boost clock reaches 4.40 GHz versus 4.10 GHz. This explains the i3's single-threaded PassMark and Geekbench wins. The i5-8500 integrates UHD Graphics 630, while the i3-10105F has no integrated graphics, a difference that matters for systems without a discrete GPU. Both support DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode with identical 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, and both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The i5-8500 has a die size of 154 mm², while the i3-10105F does not have a recorded die size in the database. The i5-8500 was released on 2018-02-13 and is end-of-life, while the i3-10105F was released on 2021-03-15 and remains active in production. The i5-8500's launch MSRP was $192, and the i3-10105F's launch MSRP was $97.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single delta in the entire comparison belongs to the i5-8500 in PassMark find prime numbers, where it scores 36 against 25, a 44% advantage. This test is notoriously sensitive to raw integer throughput per core and cache behavior, and the i5-8500's six physical cores clearly overpower the i3's four cores even with the i3's higher clocks.

The second-largest margin is PassMark extended instructions, at 31.2% in favor of the i5-8500 (11480 versus 8753). This benchmark measures SIMD and specialized instruction throughput, where the i5's additional cores and larger L3 cache provide a decisive edge. Floating-point math follows at 23.8% (22489 versus 18166), again favoring the i5-8500.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-8500 scores 8079 versus 7537, a 7.2% lead. The same delta appears in R20 multi-core (3393 versus 3165) and R15 multi-core (814 versus 759). Single-core Cinebench results also favor the i5-8500, with a 7.1% lead in R23 (1140 versus 1064) and 6.5% in R15 (114 versus 107). Interestingly, the i5-8500 leads in Cinebench single-core despite the i3's higher boost clock, suggesting that the i5's architecture extracts better instructions-per-clock in these workloads.

The i3-10105F's biggest win is Geekbench single-core at 8.7% (1470 versus 1342). Geekbench multi-core also favors the i3 by 3.4% (4920 versus 4752). PassMark single-thread shows a 7.8% lead for the i3 (2647 versus 2441), and PassMark integer math shows an 8.2% lead (28921 versus 26551). The i3 also wins PassMark data encryption by 0.6% (3045 versus 3027) and random string sorting by 0.7% (16414 versus 16294).

The i5-8500 takes PassMark multi-thread by 6.7% (9532 versus 8930) and PassMark physics by 10% (628 versus 571). Data compression goes to the i5 by 3.1% (134673 versus 130647). The overall pattern in these results indicates that the i5-8500 is stronger in workloads that benefit from more physical cores, while the i3-10105F excels when clock speed and Hyper-Threading efficiency matter more.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is better for multi-core rendering workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-8500 wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests by 7.2% (R15: 814 versus 759, R20: 3393 versus 3165, R23: 8079 versus 7537). Its six physical cores outperform the i3-10105F's four cores with eight threads in these tasks.

Q: Does the i3-10105F have any advantage in single-threaded performance?

A: Yes, in Geekbench single-core and PassMark single-thread tests. The i3-10105F leads by 8.7% in Geekbench single-core (1470 versus 1342) and 7.8% in PassMark single-thread (2647 versus 2441). Its higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz versus 4.10 GHz contributes to this.

Q: Why does the i5-8500 win in PassMark extended instructions by such a large margin?

A: The i5-8500 scores 11480 versus 8753, a 31.2% advantage. This test measures specialized instruction throughput, and the i5's larger 9 MB L3 cache alongside six physical cores provides a substantial advantage over the i3's 6 MB L3 and four cores.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core i5-8500 includes UHD Graphics 630. The Intel Core i3-10105F has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for any display output.

Q: Are these CPUs on the same socket?

A: No. The i5-8500 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i3-10105F uses Intel Socket 1200. They are not interchangeable in the same motherboard.

Q: What is the difference in production status?

A: The i5-8500 is end-of-life, while the i3-10105F is active in production. The i3-10105F was released on 2021-03-15, over three years after the i5-8500's 2018-02-13 release.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in several core specifications. The i5-8500 has 6 cores and 6 threads, while the i3-10105F has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are 3.00 GHz for the i5 and 3.70 GHz for the i3. Boost clocks are 4.10 GHz and 4.40 GHz respectively. Both have a 65 W TDP.

The i5-8500 uses Coffee Lake architecture on Socket 1151, while the i3-10105F uses Comet Lake-R on Socket 1200. Both are 14 nm parts, but the i5-8500 has a die size of 154 mm², while the i3-10105F has no recorded die size. L3 cache differs: 9 MB shared on the i5 versus 6 MB shared on the i3. L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB per core.

The i5-8500 features integrated UHD Graphics 630; the i3-10105F has none. Memory support is identical: DDR4, dual-channel, 42.7 GB/s bandwidth, no ECC. PCIe is also identical: Gen 3, 16 lanes from the CPU. Neither CPU has an unlocked multiplier. The i5-8500's part number is SR3XE, and the i3-10105F's is SRH8V.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to distinct buyer profiles. The Intel Core i5-8500 is the stronger choice for anyone running Cinebench-class rendering, floating-point math, extended instruction workloads, or physics simulations. Its 7.2% multi-core Cinebench lead and 23.8% floating-point advantage are substantial, and its 44% lead in prime number finding is decisive. The i5-8500 also offers integrated graphics, which simplifies system builds without a discrete GPU.

The Intel Core i3-10105F appeals to users prioritizing single-threaded responsiveness and integer-heavy tasks. Its 8.7% Geekbench single-core lead and 8.2% integer math advantage indicate that it handles everyday desktop tasks and productivity software with slightly more agility. Its higher base and boost clocks make it feel snappier in lightly threaded scenarios, and its active production status means it remains available for new builds.

The overall average benchmark score favors the i5-8500 at 13142 versus 12644 for the i3-10105F. The i5 also sits at the 68th percentile of all CPUs, one point above the i3's 67th percentile. The i5-8500's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-9400F at a 0.8% delta and the Intel Core i7-7700K at a -1.1% delta, placing it in a competitive mid-range bracket. The i3-10105F's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-1230U at a 0.7% delta, indicating it competes with low-power mobile parts as much as desktop chips.

For a system destined for rendering, content creation, or scientific computing, the i5-8500 is the data-backed recommendation. For a general-purpose desktop where single-thread speed matters more than core count, the i3-10105F has measurable appeal. The 12 to 7 win tally for the i5-8500 reflects its broader strength, but the i3's wins are not marginal in the categories where they occur. Choose based on workload type, not brand loyalty.