Intel Core i3-10305 socket: LGA 1200
The Intel Core i3-10305 uses the LGA 1200 socket. It is a locked 65 W 4-core Comet Lake processor for budget office towers, with DDR4 memory throughout.
- Socket
- LGA 1200
- Launched
- March 2021
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Comet Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i3
- Clocks
- 3.8 / 4.5 GHz
Intel Core i3-10305 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Skylake (Comet Lake) |
| Clocks | 3.8 GHz base, up to 4.5 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU: PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1.15 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCLGA1200 |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i3-10305 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1200 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 500 series | Z590, H570, B560, H510, Q570, W580 | Works out of the box |
| 400 series: Z490, H470, Q470, W480 | Z490, H470, Q470, W480 | Works out of the box |
| 400 series: B460, H410 | B460, H410 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1200.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | Entry 1080p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce GTX 1650 Super, Radeon RX 6400 |
| Target resolution | 1080p medium settings |
Four cores with boost to 4.5 GHz, 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and DDR4 line up with low power 1080p cards from its era. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1200 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,200 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | April 2020 |
| Memory | DDR4 only |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i3-10305 is
The Core i3-10305 is a 4-core desktop processor that Intel released in March 2021 with the Comet Lake refresh range. Its Skylake derived cores run 3.8 GHz base to 4.5 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Cache is 8 MB of Intel Smart Cache.
The chip sits above the 10105 with more cache and higher clocks at the same 65 W envelope. The 8 MB cache helps office multitasking that reuses data across apps. The 14 nm process and locked multiplier keep the focus on low cost per seat.
Intel UHD Graphics 630 handle display output, with base 350 MHz and boost to 1.15 GHz. The multiplier is locked. The socket package is FCLGA1200 at 37.5 × 37.5 mm.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 10305 fits the LGA 1200 socket. Boards with 400 series chipsets (Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, W480) accept it with the shipping BIOS. Boards with 500 series chipsets (Z590, H570, B560, H510) also accept it, since the platform keeps Comet Lake support across both series.
Budget towers with B460 and H410 chipsets pair well when Rocket Lake is not planned. The Intel Q470 chipset compatible list names the 10305 at up to 4.50 GHz with 8 MB cache as a supported part. B560 boards work as well for new stock.
Check airflow when fitting many seats in one room. The 65 W envelope needs standard tower cooling, unlike the 35 W T parts that suit slim cases.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s only. Two channels carry up to 128 GB. Budget builds often used 1 by 8 GB DDR4-2666, with a second stick added for dual channel when integrated graphics drive the panel.
The CPU supplies 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for graphics and storage through the board. Office towers without a discrete card still use the slots for add in cards. The board specifications state lane sharing between slots.
At 65 W, a stock Intel cooler with airflow suffices. Mounting uses the 75 mm LGA 1200 pattern from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide. A small tower cooler lowers noise under long loads but is not required for office use.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i3-10105, the 10305 adds cache and clocks in the same 65 W envelope. The 10105 part carries 6 MB of cache, while this part carries 8 MB with higher turbo. Both share chipset rules and DDR4 limits.
Moving to LGA 1700 needs a new board, new memory for DDR5 builds, and a new cooler bracket. The 10305 fits a sales floor seat, a warehouse terminal, or a home study box with integrated graphics.
For used buyers, the refresh i3 with 8 MB makes sense when office work reuses large data. When the tower can only cool 35 W, the T range gives a lower heat path on the same socket.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i3-10305 use?
It uses LGA 1200, written FCLGA1200 in Intel documents.
How many cores does the Intel Core i3-10305 have?
4 cores with 8 threads at 3.8 GHz base and up to 4.5 GHz turbo, with 8 MB of Intel Smart Cache.
What memory does the Intel Core i3-10305 support?
DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s in two channels, up to 128 GB. No DDR5 on this platform.
What graphics does the Intel Core i3-10305 include?
Intel UHD Graphics 630 up to 1.15 GHz for office panels and basic media playback.
What is the TDP of the Intel Core i3-10305?
65 W. A stock Intel cooler with airflow suffices in a standard tower.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i3-10305 specifications (Intel)
- Intel Q470 Chipset compatible list (Intel, 10305 4.50 GHz)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .