Core i3-7300 vs Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i3-7300
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-7300 is positioned at rank 695 and the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is on rank 1088, so the Core i3-7300 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7300
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7300 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($46) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7300 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2881%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($46) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7300 and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i3-7300
The Core i3-7300 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,519 points. Launch price was $147.
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300 (base: 4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-7300 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300 scores 4,519 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 2% lead for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300 vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+25% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+25% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,519 | 4,611+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — the Core i3-7300 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+173% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7300) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770). The Core i3-7300 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Desktop | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7300 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($46 vs $1399), the Core i3-7300 is $1353 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300 delivers 98.2 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Core i3-7300 the 187% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-87% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $46-97% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 98.2+2876% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2008 |
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