Pros
- Quad-core design for just over, and readily available
- Turbo Boost hits 4.4GHz
- Includes workable integrated graphics silicon
- Stock cooler comes in the box
Cons
- Outperformed by “cheaper” (at least based on list price) AMD Ryzen competition
- LGA 1200 is a dead-end platform
- Pricier entry point for LGA 1200 motherboards, versus equivalent Ryzen AM4 boards
Intel Core i3-10105 Specs
| Core Count | 4 |
| Thread Count | 8 |
| Base Clock Frequency | 3.7 GHz |
| Maximum Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier? | |
| Socket Compatibility | Intel LGA 1200 |
| Lithography | 14 nm |
| L3 Cache Amount | 6 MB |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) Rating | 65 watts |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Integrated Graphics Base Clock | 350 MHz |
| Bundled Cooler | Intel Stock Cooler |
In 2021, Intel introduced its 11th Generation “Rocket Lake” processors, which included only the Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 models for the desktop segment. For those interested in constructing a lower-end system, the only option available from Intel’s latest generation was the “Comet Lake Refresh,” a limited series of slightly modified 10th Generation Core i3 and Pentium processors. These chips are essentially enhanced versions of the original 10th Generation Comet Lake models, compatible with Intel’s LGA 1200 socket. With the arrival of the more affordable 12th Generation “Alder Lake” CPUs, the phase-out of LGA 1200 has commenced. We acquired one of the reasonably priced Core i3 Refresh models, the Core i3-10105, to evaluate the performance one can anticipate from this economical processor as the LGA 1200 socket transitions into a budget-friendly option, paving the way for Alder Lake’s LGA 1700. In summary, while it may not be an exhilarating budget chip, it demonstrates satisfactory performance, primarily due to two key factors: (1) it features integrated graphics, and (2) it is readily available for purchase.
A ‘Comet’ That Soars Using ‘Rockets’
The Core i3-10105, as a refreshed model, closely resembles its predecessor, the Core i3-10100, from the original 10th Generation Core/Comet Lake series in nearly every aspect. Both processors utilize the LGA 1200 socket and feature four CPU cores with Hyper-Threading capabilities, allowing for a maximum of eight simultaneous processing threads. The primary distinction lies in the Core i3-10105’s slightly elevated clock speeds, boasting a base frequency of 3.7GHz and a maximum Turbo Boost of 4.4GHz, which represents an increase of 100MHz over the Core i3-10100 in both metrics.
The Core i3-10105 and Core i3-10100 are equipped with Intel’s UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics processor (IGP). This graphics solution features 24 execution units (EUs) that can operate at a maximum frequency of 1.1GHz. Our previous evaluations of this IGP have shown consistent results, and we will conduct further testing today; it is expected to perform adequately with older game titles but may struggle with newer, graphically demanding games. This IGP is primarily designed for non-gaming applications such as video playback and web browsing, where it functions effectively. (For a more comprehensive analysis of desktop CPU IGP performance, please refer to our detailed report from several months ago.)
The Core i3-10105 officially supports dual-channel DDR4 RAM with a maximum clock speed of 2,666MHz, accommodating up to 128GB or the maximum capacity permitted by the motherboard. While it is possible to achieve higher RAM speeds with compatible RAM and motherboard configurations, those utilizing a motherboard with the H410 or H510 chipset will encounter restrictions that prevent exceeding this specified limit.
Regarding its availability, the Core i3-10105 can be found in numerous OEM systems and is also offered at retail outlets. (Our sample was obtained from a Dell Inspiron Desktop 3891 that we previously reviewed.) Additionally, Intel provides a more economical variant known as the Core i3-10105F, which has the integrated graphics processor disabled, catering to users who intend to utilize a dedicated graphics card with this processor. When purchased as a retail component, the chip includes Intel’s standard heatsink and fan assembly, designed for compatibility with an LGA 1200 motherboard.
Evaluating the Core i3-10105: Financial Challenges for Team Blue?
We subjected the Core i3-10105 to our comprehensive suite of CPU benchmarks. Recently, we have revised the array of tests employed for CPU evaluation, which means that not all previously reviewed CPUs were available for comparison. We maintained the majority of the same hardware for our testing, utilizing an Asus ROG Maximus XII Hero (Wi-Fi) Z490 motherboard paired with 16GB of G.Skill RAM operating at 3,000MHz. The primary boot drive was an Intel-branded SATA SSD, complemented by a secondary ADATA M.2 SATA drive for additional storage capacity. The entire system was assembled within ADATA’s XPG Invader chassis, featuring a Deepcool GamerStorm Captain 240 EX 240mm water cooler and powered by a 750-watt Corsair power supply.
The primary modification in our supporting hardware configuration pertains to the graphics card. We have transitioned to utilizing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti for dedicated graphics benchmarks, replacing the previously employed Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. All processors mentioned in this document were evaluated using the RTX 3080 Ti to maintain consistency in testing conditions. Additionally, we assessed AMD’s nearest rival to the Core i3-10105, the Ryzen 3 3100, alongside various Core i5 and Ryzen 5 processors throughout this series of evaluations.
It is important to note that AMD processors designated with a “G” suffix come equipped with integrated graphics. Additionally, for comparative purposes, we have included several Core i7 and Ryzen 7 processors in the following results, although these options are significantly more expensive.
Central Processing Unit Efficiency
It is not unexpected that the Core i3-10105 achieved the lowest performance metrics among the processors tested. The Core i5 and i7, along with the Ryzen 5 and 7, benefit from additional cores, providing them with a significant edge. Consequently, the Ryzen 3 3100 stands out as the sole genuine competitor within this selection.
Regrettably for Intel, the Core i3-10105 demonstrated considerably slower performance than the Ryzen 3 3100 in several of the conducted tests. Specifically, in the Handbrake benchmark, the Core i3-10105 required an additional six minutes to complete the rendering task compared to the Ryzen 3 3100. Furthermore, the Core i3 exhibited slower results in our Cinebench, Geekbench, 7-Zip, and Blender assessments, albeit by lesser margins.
The Intel Core i3-10105 outperformed the Ryzen 3 3100 in several tests, albeit by a narrow margin. It demonstrated slightly superior performance in the Puget Systems PugetBench for Adobe Premiere Pro 15 CC, with its most significant advantage observed during the execution of POV-Ray.
Visual Performance
Subsequently, we proceeded to our dedicated graphics testing, utilizing the Core i3 in conjunction with our discrete GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card. During these gaming evaluations, the performance gap between the Core i3-10105 and the Ryzen 3 3100 significantly diminished, with both processors nearly achieving parity in numerous synthetic and gaming benchmarks. In the majority of the gaming tests, the Ryzen 3 3100 outperformed the Core i3, albeit by a narrow margin of just 1 to 3 frames per second in most instances.
Subsequently, we removed the GeForce card and evaluated the performance of the integrated graphics. To our surprise, the results were slightly below our expectations. Intel has incorporated the same UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics processor (IGP) in numerous 10th and 11th Generation chips, providing us with ample opportunities to assess this UHD Graphics technology previously. This is the same IGP utilized in the Core i5-10600K, as illustrated in the charts below.
The 11th Generation (Rocket Lake) Core i7-11700K and Core i5-11600K utilize Intel’s Iris Xe UHD Graphics 750, showcasing the capabilities of the newer Intel integrated graphics. While it was anticipated that these processors would surpass the Core i3-10105 in performance, the extent of the performance disparity was unexpected. In contrast, the Ryzen “G” series processors, equipped with integrated Radeon graphics, significantly outperform the Core i3-10105; however, they come at a considerably higher price point, with the 5600G priced at more than twice that of the i3.
It is important to observe that the 11th Generation Core i7-11700K and Core i5-11600K demonstrated performance levels nearly twice that of the Core i3-10105 in integrated graphics performance tests. This highlights the advantages of the newer Iris Xe integrated graphics solution and underscores what budget-conscious consumers have missed due to Intel’s decision not to launch any genuinely budget-friendly Rocket Lake desktop processors featuring Iris Xe. The performance advantage of the Core i5-10600K over the Core i3 aligns more closely with our expectations.
In summary, the test results indicate that the Core i3-10105 provides only limited integrated graphics performance. However, this does not imply that it is entirely ineffective. It is advisable not to depend on it for contemporary gaming experiences, unless one is interested in viewing a series of still images from recent AAA games. Conversely, for non-gaming tasks or for playing titles that are several years old (approximately six years or more), it should perform adequately.
Motherboards and Their Pricing: The Challenge of Platform Compatibility.
The appeal of the Core i3-10105 in comparison to the Ryzen 3 3100 is evident in the current market pricing and availability of both processors. In today’s environment of limited silicon supply, the Core i3-10105, along with other Comet Lake Refresh models from Intel, can be found relatively easily at their suggested retail prices. Conversely, locating the Ryzen 3 3100 or the superior Ryzen 3 3300X (which has not been retested here and is now exceedingly difficult to find at its recommended price) requires considerable effort. Although the Core i3 tends to perform slower in numerous benchmarks, it only narrowly trails the 3100 in the tests where it does. The competition would be quite balanced were it not for two additional factors, both pertaining to pricing.
The Core i3-10105 processor is designed to work with LGA 1200 motherboards, which can be purchased at a starting price of approximately. In comparison, the Ryzen 3 3100 is an AM4 socket processor that is compatible with any AMD 400 or 500 series chipset motherboard, with the least expensive options available.
Consequently, it is probable that the overall expenditure for a Core i3-10105 processor will exceed that of a Ryzen 3 3100, particularly if one is fortunate enough to acquire the AMD chip at its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The Core i3-10105 is available, whereas the Ryzen 3 3100 is offered. This results in a typical ownership cost for the comparatively slower Core i3-10105 system being approximately that of the more efficient AMD configuration, based on standard pricing and the least expensive motherboards.
The current market landscape has significantly improved the situation for Intel, as the Core i3-10105 is typically, while the Ryzen 3 3100 is available or more, depending on availability. This pricing structure provides the more powerful AMD system with a price advantage of approximately when considering the cost of the most affordable motherboards, in addition to the Ryzen 3’s marginally superior performance. Furthermore, it is important to note that the LGA 1200 platform is now obsolete, given that the latest 12th Generation Alder Lake processors require a new socket. In contrast, there remains the potential for future upgrades with new AM4 processors if one chooses to invest in AMD.
Now there is one big elephant in the room, and the decider in favor of Intel for some buyers: the IGP. The Ryzen 3 3100 and 3300X lack an IGP, whereas the Core i3-10105 has that cost-saving UHD Graphics aboard. AMD IGP-equipped, if you ignore the now-old Ryzen 3 3200G, which sells for inflated prices, where you can find it at all.
Conclusion: Opt for Ryzen, Provided You Can Acquire It.
Evaluating the Core i3-10105 in the current market presents challenges. Its performance is underwhelming when compared to the theoretically more affordable Ryzen 3 alternatives, coupled with the higher total cost associated with the LGA 1200 platform. As such, the Core i3-10105 receives a tepid recommendation, particularly for those who are intentionally choosing to forgo a dedicated graphics card. Based on our testing outcomes, selecting a Ryzen 3 3100 would likely yield better performance and cost savings, provided that you already possess a suitable video card and can acquire the Ryzen 3 at a competitive price. However, these conditions are significant considerations.
Market dynamics may lead to significant changes in pricing trends. The introduction of Intel’s Alder Lake could potentially create downward pressure on the prices of associated chips and motherboards. Should the price of the Core i3-10105 decrease further, or if an exceptional offer on an LGA 1200 motherboard is available, the Core i3-10105 may emerge as a more appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, more affordable Alder Lake motherboards are on the horizon, which may diminish the attractiveness of the i3-10105. At this juncture, it would be prudent to consider Ryzen options or explore Alder Lake alternatives as budget-friendly models and motherboards become available.