How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i5-10600K scores 36.3/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-10600K wins 15.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i5-10600K?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $262. Intel Core i5-10600K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 36 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 35 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 39 vs 22; 200% higher threads: 12 vs 4; 142% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,200 vs 3,800.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i5-10600K?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $262 for the Intel Core i5-10600K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-10600K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-10600K

$262

26.3Single-core36.4

23.7Multi-core34.7

21.9Gaming39.2

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810015 spec wins — Intel Core i5-10600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-10600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 36.3 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+17) and Multi-core (+11). Intel Core i3-8100 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $262

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-10600K

Stronger Single-core score: 36 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 35 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 39 vs 22
200% higher threads: 12 vs 4
142% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,200 vs 3,800

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Announced	2017	2020
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1200
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+48%	125 W
Max turbo power	—	182 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	12+200%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	4.1 GHz+14%
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.8 GHz+33%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+50%
L3 cache	6 MB	12 MB+100%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,200 MHz+9%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666
Max memory	64 GB	128 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10600K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-10600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-10600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	1,560+30%Top 58%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	6,500+94%Top 64%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,230Top 68%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	9,200+142%Top 61%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	14,500+138%Top 62%

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