Intel Core i3-10350K
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Unlocked
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-10350K Specifications
Core i3-10350K Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-10350K 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.
i3-10350K Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-10350K Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Comet Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Comet Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-10350K 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.
i3-10350K Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-10350K has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 91W, 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.
Intel Socket 1200 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-10350K 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.
Intel Socket 1200 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K 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.
Intel's Core i3-10350K Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K 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.
Core i3-10350K Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-10350K 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 i3-10350K by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-10350K Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About Intel Core i3-10350K
The Intel Core i3-10350K is a desktop processor from Intel’s Core 10th Gen series, built on the Comet Lake architecture and produced on a 14 nm process. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 4.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. This part sits in the 50th percentile among all CPUs, indicating a mid-pack performance profile. The processor is actively produced and was released on 2020-04-29.
Platform and Compatibility
The Intel Core i3-10350K uses the Intel Socket 1200 interface, which aligns it with the mainstream desktop platform of its generation. This socket supports the Comet Lake family, and the processor is designed for desktop systems. The architecture is shared with other Core 10th Gen parts, meaning motherboard compatibility follows the same LGA 1200 footprint. Users building a system around this chip will need a board with that socket, and the 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only) provide direct connectivity for graphics and NVMe storage. The PCIe implementation is limited to Gen 3, which is the standard for its era, and the 16 lanes represent the typical allocation for a single high-bandwidth device or a split for multiple devices.
Memory support is DDR4, operating on a dual-channel bus. The memory bandwidth is rated at 42.7 GB/s, which is a fixed figure for this platform and indicates the theoretical ceiling for data transfer between the CPU and system memory. ECC memory is not supported, so this processor targets consumer builds rather than workstation or server environments where error-correcting memory is required. The integrated graphics are provided by the UHD Graphics 630 unit, which allows basic display output without a discrete GPU. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking on compatible motherboards, though the practical headroom depends on the cooling solution and board power delivery.
Upgrade path considerations are straightforward: the LGA 1200 socket is shared within the Comet Lake generation, but the platform is not forward-compatible with later Intel architectures. The processor’s production status is active, meaning it remains a current product, but users looking to upgrade within the same platform are limited to other LGA 1200 parts. The dual-channel memory controller, combined with the 8 MB shared L3 cache, defines the memory hierarchy: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of L3 shared across all cores.
Power and Thermals
The thermal design power (TDP) for the Intel Core i3-10350K is 91 watts. This TDP class places it in the mid-range for desktop processors, requiring a capable air cooler or a basic liquid cooler to maintain sustained boost clocks under load. The 14 nm process node, while mature, does not offer the efficiency of smaller nodes, so the 91 W figure reflects the power draw under typical multi-threaded workloads. For single-threaded tasks, the boost clock of 4.80 GHz may push power consumption higher than the TDP, but the 4.10 GHz base clock provides a safe operating point for sustained loads.
Cooling recommendations hinge on the chassis airflow and ambient temperature. A tower-style air cooler with a 120 mm fan is generally sufficient for a 91 W TDP, but users planning aggressive overclocking—given the unlocked multiplier—should consider a higher-end cooler to manage thermal headroom. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 does not add significant heat, as it shares the same die but operates at lower power when the discrete GPU is absent. The absence of ECC support and the dual-channel memory controller do not materially affect thermals, as these are feature-level constraints rather than power consumers.
The 14 nm process and Comet Lake architecture are known for their thermal density, so the 91 W TDP is a realistic figure for a 4-core/8-thread part at these clock speeds. In practice, the processor will run cooler at idle, where the base clock is not sustained, and the boost clock can be reached on a single core for short bursts. The power delivery on the motherboard should be adequate for the 91 W TDP, but overclocking beyond stock settings will increase power draw above the rated value, so the cooling solution must account for that margin.
Who Should Consider It
Benchmark results place this processor at the 50th percentile among all CPUs, indicating a balanced performance that suits a broad range of tasks. For gaming, the 4-core/8-thread configuration with a 4.80 GHz boost clock provides adequate single-thread performance for most titles, though the latest AAA games may benefit from more cores. The 8 MB L3 cache and dual-channel memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s help reduce latency in CPU-bound scenarios, making it a reasonable choice for 1080p gaming at high settings, especially when paired with a mid-range discrete GPU. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 is not intended for gaming, so a separate GPU is required for any meaningful frame rates.
For content creation, the 4 cores and 8 threads handle light video editing and photo processing, but heavy multi-threaded workloads like 4K video rendering or 3D modeling will show slower performance compared to higher-core-count parts. The 91 W TDP means the processor can be cooled in compact systems, making it suitable for small-form-factor builds where space for large coolers is limited. Office and productivity workloads—spreadsheets, web browsing, document editing—are well within the capabilities of this chip, as the 4.10 GHz base clock ensures responsive operation for single-threaded applications.
The unlocked multiplier appeals to enthusiasts who want to extract extra performance, but the 50th percentile ranking suggests that the stock performance is average, not exceptional. Users who prioritize multi-threaded workloads should look at parts with more cores, while those who favor single-thread responsiveness will find the boost clock competitive. The active production status means the processor is still available, but the platform’s age (released in 2020-04-29) may limit future upgrade potential. The lack of ECC memory support excludes it from reliability-focused server builds, but for a general-purpose desktop, the Core i3-10350K is a functional choice.
FAQ
Q: What socket does the Intel Core i3-10350K use?
A: It uses the Intel Socket 1200 interface, which is compatible with Comet Lake desktop motherboards.
Q: Does it support overclocking?
A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking on motherboards that support it.
Q: What type of memory does it support?
A: It supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: Does it have integrated graphics?
A: Yes, it includes the UHD Graphics 630 unit, which can handle basic display output but is not suited for gaming or demanding graphics workloads.
Q: What is the TDP of this processor?
A: The thermal design power is 91 watts, which requires a moderate air cooler for stock operation and a more robust cooler for overclocking.
Q: How many PCIe lanes are available?
A: The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, which are allocated to the CPU only, for graphics and storage devices.
Benchmark Performance
The Intel Core i3-10350K scores in the 50th percentile among all CPUs, meaning it outperforms half of the processors in the database and lags behind the other half. This mid-pack position reflects its 4-core/8-thread design, which is now considered a baseline configuration for modern desktops. The benchmark data does not include specific scores for this part, but the percentile placement indicates a performance level that is neither entry-level nor high-end.
The nearest rivals list is empty in the provided data, so direct comparisons to other processors cannot be made with exact delta percentages. However, the 50th percentile ranking provides a relative anchor: a CPU at this level will be comfortably ahead of budget dual-core parts and noticeably behind six-core and eight-core mainstream processors. In single-threaded workloads, the 4.80 GHz boost clock likely places it near the top of the Comet Lake stack, as higher clock speeds directly benefit tasks that depend on per-core performance. In multi-threaded scenarios, the 8 threads allow it to handle moderate parallel workloads, but the lack of additional cores means it will trail processors with 6 or more cores.
The 8 MB shared L3 cache and 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth are modest by current standards, but they are sufficient for the 4-core configuration. The 91 W TDP, combined with the 14 nm process, suggests that the processor can maintain its boost clocks for short bursts but may throttle under sustained all-core loads if cooling is inadequate. The benchmark percentile is a single aggregate figure, but it does not reveal the split between single-thread and multi-thread performance; based on the specifications, the single-thread score should be strong due to the 4.80 GHz boost, while the multi-thread score will be capped by the 4-core limit.
Without rival data, a precise competitive analysis is not possible from the provided facts. The absence of nearestRivals means no deltaPct values are available to quantify advantages or deficits. What can be stated is that the processor’s 50th percentile ranking positions it as an average performer, suitable for users who do not demand extreme multi-core throughput. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 does not contribute to benchmark scores for CPU performance, as it is a separate functional block. The Boost clock of 4.80 GHz is the highest number in the specification set, and it is the most relevant figure for single-threaded tasks like gaming and legacy software. The base clock of 4.10 GHz still offers solid performance for sustained workloads, but the difference between the two clocks (0.70 GHz) indicates that the processor can ramp up significantly when needed.
In summary, the data shows a processor with a balanced but unremarkable performance profile. The 50th percentile ranking is a useful reference point, but it should be interpreted alongside the core/thread count and clock speeds. For users upgrading from a dual-core processor, the i3-10350K would represent a substantial improvement, while those coming from a six-core part would notice a regression in multi-threaded tasks. The 91 W TDP and LGA 1200 socket are the key physical constraints, and the unlocked multiplier offers flexibility for enthusiasts willing to invest in better cooling. The lack of benchmark scores and rival deltas limits the depth of this analysis, but the existing data supports a verdict of adequate, not exceptional, performance.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-10350K
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
Popular Intel Core i3-10350K Comparisons
See how the Core i3-10350K stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.
Compare Core i3-10350K with Other CPUs
Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.
Browse CPUs