Core i3-7300 vs Core i5-4690T

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 i3-7300 vs Core i5-4690T 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 i3-7300 vs Core i5-4690T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7300

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $8 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-4690T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,519 vs 4,620).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-4690T

2014

Why buy it

✅+2.2% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 51W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌
4.3% HIGHER MSRP
$192 MSRPvs$184 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7300 better than Core i5-4690T?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7300 is ahead with a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4690T pulls ahead with 2.2% better PassMark. Core i5-4690T also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4690T is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-7300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-7300 comes in $8 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-4690T is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.2% better PassMark. It is also 2.1% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 24.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-7300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7300 vs Core i5-4690T Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-4690T

The Core i5-4690T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,620 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-4690T offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-4690T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-4690T — a 13.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300 (base: 4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-7300 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4690T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300 scores 4,519 against the Core i5-4690T's 4,620 — a 2.2% lead for the Core i5-4690T. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690T.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i5-4690T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+14%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+60%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,519	4,620+2%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4690T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i5-4690T
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7300) / not specified (Core i5-4690T). The Core i3-7300 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-4690T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i5-4690T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7300 was priced at $184, while the Core i5-4690T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($184 vs $192), Core i3-7300 was $8 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300 delivers 24.6 pts/$ vs 24.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-4690T — making the Core i3-7300 the 2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i5-4690T
MSRP	$184-4%	$192
Performance per Dollar	24.6+2%	24.1
Release Date	2017	2014

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