Core i3-1305U vs Core i7-7700

Intel

Core i3-1305U

5 Cores6 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2023
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-7700

4 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i3-1305U vs Core i7-7700 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-1305U vs Core i7-7700 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1305U vs Core i7-7700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1305U

2023

Why buy it

  • +205.8% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core.
  • +25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
  • Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.
  • 25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-7700.

Core i7-7700

2017

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +13.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i3-1305U.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (1,435 vs 4,388).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 10 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $272 MSRP, while Core i3-1305U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
  • Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i3-1305U moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1305U better than Core i7-7700?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-7700 is ahead with a 13.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1305U pulls ahead with 205.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i3-1305U also has the bigger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1305U is the stronger fit. You are getting 205.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 5 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i3-1305U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-1305U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $272 MSRP, and it still gives you 205.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core. Core i7-7700 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (31.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-1305U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 25% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 8 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 5 cores / 6 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1305U vs Core i7-7700 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i3-1305U

The Core i3-1305U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-U (2023) architecture. It features 5 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 10 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 8,634 points. Launch price was $309.

Intel

Core i7-7700

The Core i7-7700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,642 points. Launch price was $303.

Processing Power

The Core i3-1305U packs 5 cores / 6 threads, while the Core i7-7700 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i3-1305U has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i3-1305U versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-7700 — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-1305U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-1305U uses the Raptor Lake-U (2023) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-7700 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1305U scores 8,634 against the Core i7-7700's 8,642 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-7700. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 4,388 vs 1,435 (101.4% advantage for the Core i3-1305U). L3 cache: 10 MB (total) on the Core i3-1305U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700.

FeatureCore i3-1305UCore i7-7700
Cores / Threads
5 / 6+25%
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.5 GHz+7%
4.2 GHz
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
3.6 GHz+125%
L3 Cache
10 MB (total)+25%
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
Intel 7 nm-50%
14 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-U (2023)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
8,634
8,642
Cinebench R23 Multi
4,388+206%
1,435
Geekbench 6 Single
1,960
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,900
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1305U uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-7700 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Core i3-1305U versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7700 — the Core i3-1305U supports 116.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1305U supports up to 96 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i3-1305U) vs 16 (Core i7-7700) — the Core i3-1305U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Raptor Lake-U (Core i3-1305U) and 100-series,200-series (Core i7-7700).

FeatureCore i3-1305UCore i7-7700
Socket
FCBGA1744
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-5200+117%
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
96 GB+50%
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20+25%
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-1305U) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-7700). Both include integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3-1305U) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i7-7700) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1305U targets Budget Laptop, Core i7-7700 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-7700 rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

FeatureCore i3-1305UCore i7-7700
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics
HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Budget Laptop
Gaming