Core i3-7300 vs Core i5-6442EQ
Core i3-7300
Core i5-6442EQ
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 i5-6442EQ is on rank 843, 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 i5-6442EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7300 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($46) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7300 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+448%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($46) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
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 i5-6442EQ
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 i5-6442EQ
The Core i5-6442EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 4,483 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6442EQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6442EQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-6442EQ — a 71.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300. The Core i3-7300 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-6442EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300 scores 4,519 against the Core i5-6442EQ's 4,483 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-7300. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300 vs 6 MB on the Core i5-6442EQ.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+111% | 1.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6 MB+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB+300% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Skylake (2015−2016) |
| PassMark | 4,519 | 4,483 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7300) / not specified (Core i5-6442EQ). The Core i3-7300 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-6442EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7300 launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i5-6442EQ debuted at $250. At current prices ($46 vs $250), the Core i3-7300 is $204 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300 delivers 98.2 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-6442EQ — making the Core i3-7300 the 138.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7300 | Core i5-6442EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184-26% | $250 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $46-82% | $250 |
| Performance per Dollar | 98.2+449% | 17.9 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2015 |
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