INTEL

Intel Core i3-10300

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

4
Cores
8
Threads
4.4
GHz Boost
62W
TDP
Integrated GPU

At a Glance

Intel
Cores / Threads 4C / 8T
Boost Clock 4.4 GHz
Base Clock 3.7 GHz
L3 Cache 8 MB (shared)
TDP 62W
Architecture Comet Lake
Socket Intel Socket 1200
nm
Process 14 nm
Released Apr 2020

Intel Core i3-10300 Specifications

Core i3-10300 Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i3-10300 features 4 physical cores and 8 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
4
Threads
8
SMP CPUs
1

i3-10300 Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-10300 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-10300 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4.4 GHz
Multiplier
37x

Intel's Core i3-10300 Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-10300 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-10300's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
8 MB (shared)

Comet Lake Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i3-10300 is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-10300 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Comet Lake
Codename
Comet Lake
Process Node
14 nm
Foundry
Intel
Generation
Core i3 (Comet Lake)

Comet Lake Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i3-10300 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AVX
AVX2
FMA3
AES-NI
F16C
BMI1
BMI2
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d

i3-10300 Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i3-10300 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 62W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
62W
PL1 (Base Power)
65 W
PL2 (Turbo Power)
90 W
Tj Max
100°C

Intel Socket 1200 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i3-10300 uses the Intel Socket 1200 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket 1200
PCIe
Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)
Package
FC-LGA1200
DDR5

Intel Socket 1200 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i3-10300 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-10300 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR4
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
Memory Bandwidth
42.7 GB/s

Intel's Core i3-10300 Integrated Graphics

Built-in GPU specifications

The Intel Core i3-10300 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-10300 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.

iGPU
UHD Graphics 630
Graphics Model
UHD Graphics 630

Core i3-10300 Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i3-10300 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-10300 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Apr 2020
Market
Desktop
Status
Active
Part Number
SRH3J

Core i3-10300 Benchmark Scores

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i3-10300 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #1071 of 1967
673
4%
Max: 14,978

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i3-10300 handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance. A higher single-core score means snappier system responsiveness in everyday use.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #1099 of 1400
95
4%
Max: 2,114

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i3-10300. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #921 of 1786
2,808
4%
Max: 62,412

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i3-10300. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #916 of 1776
396
4%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i3-10300 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #1036 of 1938
6,687
4%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-10300 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #1041 of 1923
944
4%
Max: 20,979

About Intel Core i3-10300

The Intel Core i3-10300 is a 10th Generation desktop processor built on the 14 nm Comet Lake architecture, offering 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. It sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the database, placing it in the exact middle of the performance spectrum. The average benchmark score of 2284 places it in a tightly contested cluster, where the nearest rivals are separated by less than one percentage point, indicating that this chip delivers a highly competitive baseline for its class.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for the Core i3-10300 reveal a consistent performance profile across different rendering workloads. In Cinebench R15, the processor scores 796 points in multi-core and 112 points in single-core. Moving to Cinebench R20, those numbers scale to 3317 multi-core and 468 single-core. The most recent Cinebench R23 test shows a multi-core score of 7898 and a single-core score of 1115. These scores indicate a processor that scales predictably with workload intensity, maintaining a stable ratio between multi-threaded and single-threaded performance.

The average benchmark score of 2284 positions the i3-10300 within 0.1% of the Intel Core i7-10710U (score 2283) and the Intel Xeon D-1557 (score 2282). It is also 0.3% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U (score 2290) and 0.5% ahead of the Intel Xeon E-2134 (score 2295). These deltaPct values are remarkably small, meaning that in practical terms, the i3-10300 trades blows with these rivals across the board. The data shows that this chip is not a performance outlier in either direction; it is a solidly average processor when compared against the broader field, yet it holds its own against specific competitors with sub-1% margins.

Power and Thermals

The Core i3-10300 carries a TDP of 62 watts, classifying it as a mainstream desktop part that does not demand extreme cooling solutions. This TDP level implies that a capable air cooler is sufficient to maintain sustained performance under load. The 14 nm process node from Intel is not the most efficient in the database, but the 62-watt envelope keeps thermal output manageable for standard desktop chassis. Benchmark results indicate that the processor can sustain its multi-core scores without the need for exotic cooling, as the power draw stays within a range that typical tower coolers can handle. The lack of a multiplier unlock means users cannot push clocks beyond the specified 4.40 GHz boost, so the thermal profile remains predictable and stable across different motherboards.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is telling. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 1115 is roughly 14% of the multi-core score of 7898, which is expected for a 4-core, 8-thread part. The ratio is consistent with other tests: R15 single-core 112 versus multi-core 796, and R20 single-core 468 versus multi-core 3317. This indicates that the i3-10300 does not artificially inflate single-core performance at the expense of multi-core scaling. The 4.40 GHz boost clock provides strong single-thread responsiveness, which translates to snappy application launch times and good performance in lightly threaded tasks like office productivity and web browsing. Meanwhile, the 8 threads allow the processor to handle multi-threaded workloads, such as video encoding or compiling, at a level that is competitive with its nearest rivals, as evidenced by the near-identical average scores.

The data suggests that the i3-10300 is balanced: it does not excel disproportionately in either single-thread or multi-thread tasks. For workloads that rely on a single core, the high boost clock ensures competitive performance. For workloads that use all cores, the 8 threads provide adequate throughput, but the processor will not outpace higher-core-count alternatives. Users should expect consistent behavior across mixed workloads, with no significant bottlenecks in either direction.

How It Compares

Intel Core i7-10710U: The i7-10710U scores 2283, which is 0.1% lower than the i3-10300’s 2284. This is a statistical tie, despite the i7 being a mobile part with a different power profile. The i3-10300 matches the i7’s average performance, meaning that for desktop users, the i3 offers equivalent compute capability without the mobile thermal constraints. The i7-10710U may have more cores in some configurations, but the benchmark data shows no tangible advantage in average score.

Intel Xeon D-1557: With a score of 2282, the Xeon D-1557 is 0.1% behind the i3-10300. This Xeon is a server-oriented chip, yet the i3-10300 keeps pace in average benchmarks. The i3’s advantage is marginal, but it indicates that for workstation-level tasks that rely on the same software stack, the i3-10300 delivers comparable throughput. The Xeon may offer other enterprise features, but raw compute performance is essentially equal.

AMD Ryzen 5 7520U: The Ryzen 5 7520U scores 2290, which is 0.3% higher than the i3-10300. This is the closest rival in the list, with the AMD part edging ahead by a negligible margin. The i3-10300 is effectively on par with this modern AMD offering, suggesting that Intel’s 10th Gen architecture remains competitive against newer designs in this performance class. The 0.3% delta is within run-to-run variance, so users should not expect a meaningful difference in real-world applications.

Intel Xeon E-2134: The Xeon E-2134 scores 2295, which is 0.5% ahead of the i3-10300. This is the largest gap among the nearest rivals, but still sub-1%. The Xeon E-2134 is a workstation part, and its slightly higher score might come from a higher base clock or better memory support, but the difference is negligible. The i3-10300 offers nearly identical performance for desktop workloads, making it a viable alternative for entry-level workstations.

Who Should Consider It

The i3-10300 is best suited for users who need reliable quad-core performance with hyper-threading for everyday tasks. For office productivity, the 4.40 GHz boost clock ensures fast single-thread execution in word processors, spreadsheets, and web applications, and the 50th percentile ranking means it will not feel sluggish in standard business software. Gamers will find that the single-core score of 1115 in Cinebench R23 is adequate for most titles, especially when paired with a discrete GPU, as the processor can handle game logic and physics without bottlenecking mid-range graphics cards. For content creation, the multi-core scores of 7898 (R23) and 3317 (R20) indicate that light photo editing and 1080p video rendering are feasible, though heavier 4K workloads will be slow. The i3-10300 is not aimed at enthusiasts or heavy multi-threaded workloads; it is a mainstream chip that delivers balanced performance without excelling in any single area. Users upgrading from older dual-core parts will see a significant jump in both single-thread and multi-thread performance, while those coming from higher-core-count CPUs will notice the limitation in heavily threaded tasks.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Core i3-10300?

A: The average benchmark score is 2284, which places it at the 50th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How does the i3-10300 compare to the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U?

A: The Ryzen 5 7520U scores 2290, which is 0.3% higher than the i3-10300’s 2284, making them effectively equivalent in performance.

Q: What is the TDP of the i3-10300?

A: The TDP is 62 watts, which requires only a standard air cooler for sustained operation.

Q: Does the i3-10300 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; the processor uses dual-channel DDR4 memory with a bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s.

Q: What is the boost clock speed?

A: The boost clock is 4.40 GHz, while the base clock is 3.70 GHz.

Q: What socket does the i3-10300 use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket 1200, which is compatible with 10th Generation Core desktop motherboards.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Core i3-10300 is built for the Intel Socket 1200 platform, which supports 10th Generation Core desktop processors. It features 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, sufficient for a single discrete graphics card and a couple of NVMe drives. Memory support is dual-channel DDR4 with a bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s, and ECC memory is not supported. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 provides basic display output, making the processor usable without a dedicated GPU for office tasks. The processor is unlocked for a fixed multiplier, so overclocking is not possible; users must rely on the specified 3.70 GHz base and 4.40 GHz boost clocks. The production status is active, and the release date is April 29, 2020, meaning the platform is mature with a wide range of motherboard options available. For upgrade paths, users on Socket 1200 can move to higher-tier 10th Gen Core processors, but they cannot use 11th Gen or newer chips, as those require different sockets. The part number for this specific unit is SRH3J, which is useful for identifying the exact silicon revision. The 14 nm process node is older, but the platform offers solid connectivity for its era, including support for high-speed DDR4 memory and PCIe Gen 3 devices.

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