Intel Core i5-10300H vs Intel Core i5-8365U Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor posts the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-10300H records an average benchmark score of 9243, while the Intel Core i5-8365U averages 8708. That places the 10300H roughly 6.1% higher overall, despite both CPUs sharing the same 65th percentile ranking among all CPUs.

Q: How large is the multi-threaded performance gap in Cinebench?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-10300H scores 6950 versus 5050 for the i5-8365U, a 37.6% advantage. The gap is consistent across R15 and R20 multi-core tests, with deltas of 37.5% and 37.6% respectively.

Q: Does the i5-10300H win every benchmark comparison?

A: Yes. Across the 17 head-to-head benchmarks recorded, the i5-10300H wins all 17. There is no recorded test where the i5-8365U comes out ahead.

Q: What is the biggest single performance delta between the two?

A: The largest gap appears in PassMark data compression, where the i5-10300H scores 117306 against 76239, a 53.9% advantage. Random string sorting also shows a large 45.8% delta in favor of the 10300H.

Q: Are the two CPUs comparable in single-threaded workloads?

A: The i5-10300H leads in single-thread tests, but by a smaller margin. PassMark single-thread shows 2537 versus 2073, a 22.4% delta. Cinebench R23 single-core shows a 37.6% gap, with scores of 981 and 713.

Q: What is the difference in TDP and release timing?

A: The i5-10300H has a 45 W TDP and was released on 2020-09-16. The i5-8365U has a 15 W TDP and was released on 2019-04-15. The i5-10300H remains in active production, while the i5-8365U is marked end-of-life.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel's 14 nm process node, and both are manufactured by Intel. They share identical L1 and L2 cache configurations: 64 KB per core for L1 and 256 KB per core for L2. Each also has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Core and thread counts match as well, with 4 cores and 8 threads on both parts.

The fundamental architectural split comes from their respective families. The i5-10300H uses the Comet Lake architecture, specifically the Comet Lake-H codename, and belongs to Intel's Core 10th Gen series. The i5-8365U uses the Whiskey Lake architecture, with the Whiskey Lake-U codename, from an earlier generation. This places the 10300H as the newer design, released roughly 17 months after the 8365U.

Clock speeds differ substantially. The i5-10300H has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz. The i5-8365U has a base clock of 1600.00 MHz (1.60 GHz) and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. The 10300H therefore runs at a significantly higher floor and ceiling, which directly explains its commanding lead in all recorded benchmarks.

The socket and platform differ as well. The i5-10300H uses Intel BGA 1440, while the i5-8365U uses Intel BGA 1528. These are not interchangeable sockets. The integrated graphics also differ: the 10300H ships with UHD Graphics, while the 8365U ships with the slightly more specific UHD Graphics 620.

Memory support shows a notable divergence. The i5-10300H supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, whereas the i5-8365U supports DDR4 only. Both run dual-channel memory buses, but the memory bandwidth numbers differ: the 10300H reaches 46.9 GB/s, while the 8365U reaches 38.4 GB/s. The 10300H's higher bandwidth aligns with its higher TDP and performance envelope.

PCIe support is listed as Gen 3 for both, but the 8365U is described with "Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)" in its specifications, while the 10300H is simply listed as Gen 3. Neither supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers. The part numbers are SRH84 for the 10300H and SRF9Z for the 8365U.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data paints an unambiguous picture. Across every recorded test, the i5-10300H outscores the i5-8365U, often by substantial margins. The smallest delta is 21.8% in PassMark physics, where the 10300H scores 514 versus 422. Even the narrowest win is a comfortable one.

Cinebench results are remarkably consistent. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 10300H scores 700 against 509, a 37.5% edge. The single-core R15 test shows 98 versus 71, a 38% delta. Moving to R20, multi-core scores are 2919 versus 2121 (37.6% delta), and single-core is 412 versus 299 (37.8% delta). R23 continues the pattern: multi-core 6950 versus 5050 (37.6% delta), single-core 981 versus 713 (37.6% delta). This uniformity suggests the clock advantage of the 10300H translates into consistent scaling across CPU generations of the Cinebench suite.

PassMark tests show more varied deltas, reflecting different workload characteristics. Data compression is the largest outlier at 53.9%, with scores of 117306 versus 76239. Random string sorting follows at 45.8%, with 14956 versus 10256. Extended instructions show a 46.8% delta, scoring 7449 versus 5074. Data encryption is up 38.1%, at 2770 versus 2006.

Integer and floating point math show smaller but still decisive gaps. Integer math scores 27046 versus 22021, a 22.8% delta. Floating point math scores 17076 versus 13110, a 30.3% delta. Prime number finding shows a 42.1% delta, with 27 versus 19. The multithread PassMark test shows 8262 versus 5976, a 38.3% delta.

Single-threaded PassMark tests are closer in relative terms. The 10300H scores 2537 versus 2073, a 22.4% delta, identical across both the "single_thread" and "singlethread" test entries. The 3DMark results for the 10300H are recorded separately, with scores of 705 for single-thread, 1337 for 2-thread, 2202 for 4-thread, 2957 for 8-thread, 2961 for max-thread, and 2965 for 16-thread. The 8365U has no recorded 3DMark entries in this database.

The data shows no workload category where the 8365U's lower TDP translates into a performance advantage. Even in physics, a test that might favor a more efficient design, the 10300H leads by 21.8%. The 17-0 win count is a clean summary of the head-to-head results.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-10300H | Intel Core i5-8365U |

|---|---|---|

| Architecture | Comet Lake | Whiskey Lake |

| Codename | Comet Lake-H | Whiskey Lake-U |

| Generation | Core i5 (Comet Lake-H) | Core i5 (Whiskey Lake) |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 1600.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.50 GHz | 4.10 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 15 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1440 | Intel BGA 1528 |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 46.9 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3 | Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics | UHD Graphics 620 |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2020-09-16 | 2019-04-15 |

| Launch MSRP | None listed | $297 |

| Part Number | SRH84 | SRF9Z |

Shared specifications include 4 cores, 8 threads, 14 nm process node, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 6 MB shared L3, dual-channel memory bus, no ECC support, and locked multipliers. Both target the mobile market segment.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is decisive. The Intel Core i5-10300H outperforms the Intel Core i5-8365U in every single recorded test, with deltas ranging from 21.8% to 53.9%. The average benchmark score difference, 9243 versus 8708, reflects a roughly 6% overall edge, but the individual workload deltas are far larger. Users running Cinebench-style multi-threaded renders will see a 37.6% improvement, while those handling data compression workloads will see gains approaching 54%.

The i5-10300H is the clear choice for performance-oriented buyers. Its higher base and boost clocks, larger memory bandwidth, and newer Comet Lake architecture all contribute to its sweeping victory. The 45 W TDP signals that this is a processor designed for thicker laptops or gaming machines where sustained performance matters more than power efficiency. Its active production status also means it remains available for current systems.

The i5-8365U, by contrast, is a 15 W part aimed at thin-and-light portables. Its lower clocks and older Whiskey Lake architecture place it behind in every measurable category. It is end-of-life, so new designs should not incorporate it. The only recorded specification where it holds a distinct advantage is TDP, where its 15 W figure is one-third of the 10300H's 45 W. For users prioritizing battery life and cool operation over raw performance, that power efficiency could be meaningful, but the benchmark data shows no performance benefit from it.

For workstation-class mobile workloads, the i5-10300H is the only rational pick. For ultraportable usage where every watt counts and performance targets are modest, the i5-8365U remains functional, but it is strictly slower in all recorded metrics. The database shows no scenario where the 8365U wins a benchmark, making the verdict unambiguous: choose the i5-10300H unless power draw is the overriding constraint.