Core i3-7300 vs Core i5-6442EQ

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 i5-6442EQ 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 i5-6442EQ: 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: +11.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $66 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 37.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.6 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-6442EQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌104% higher power demand at 51W vs 25W.

Core i5-6442EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 51W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,483 vs 4,519).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.9 vs 24.6 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $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 i5-6442EQ?

Yes. Core i3-7300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-7300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 $66 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 37.0% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 17.9 PassMark/$), 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 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7300 vs Core i5-6442EQ 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 i5-6442EQ

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.

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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)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,519	4,483

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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	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7300 was priced at $184, while the Core i5-6442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($184 vs $250), Core i3-7300 was $66 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300 delivers 24.6 pts/$ vs 17.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-6442EQ — making the Core i3-7300 the 31.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i5-6442EQ
MSRP	$184-26%	$250
Performance per Dollar	24.6+37%	17.9
Release Date	2017	2015

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