Core i3-7300 vs Core i7-2860QM

Core i3-7300

2 Cores4 Thrd51 WWMax: 4 GHz2017

Core i7-2860QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2011

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i3-7300

2 / 4

4,519

0.0%

4,597

+1.7%

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 i7-2860QM is on rank 68, so the Core i7-2860QM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7300

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

12692%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

11993%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

8708%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2623%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2078%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1818%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1041%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1028%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

936%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

936%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

925%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

900%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

888%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

884%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

876%

#391

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300

97%

#695

Core i3-7300

MSRP: $184|Avg: $46

100%

#696

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

100%

#697

FX-4300

MSRP: $122|Avg: $25

100%

#698

Celeron G550

MSRP: $52|Avg: $15

100%

#700

Core i3-4370T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

99%

#701

FX-6200

MSRP: $169|Avg: $25

99%

#702

FX-4150

MSRP: $137|Avg: $20

99%

#703

Core i5-2450P

MSRP: $177|Avg: $30

98%

#704

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

98%

#705

Core i5-4430S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $90

98%

#706

Core i5-4440S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $30

98%

#709

Core i3-4360T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2860QM

#15

Ryzen 5 220

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

95%

#18

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

91%

#56

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

223%

#57

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

220%

#58

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

202%

#59

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

201%

#60

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

199%

#62

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

192%

#63

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

185%

#64

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

184%

#65

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

179%

#68

Core i7-2860QM

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#69

Core 2 Quad Q9100

MSRP: $14|Avg: $14

98%

#75

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

95%

#79

Atom D2500

MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A

92%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i3-7300 (2017) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i3-7300	Core i7-2860QM
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($46)	✅ More affordable ($0)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i7-2860QM (2011) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i3-7300	Core i7-2860QM
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($46)	✅ More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Core i3-7300 Benchmark Check

Core i7-2860QM Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7300 and Core i7-2860QM

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 i7-2860QM

The Core i7-2860QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,597 points. Launch price was $568.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2860QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2860QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-2860QM — a 10.5% 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 i7-2860QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300 scores 4,519 against the Core i7-2860QM's 4,597 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i7-2860QM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2860QM.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i7-2860QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+11%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+60%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,519	4,597+2%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2860QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2860QM — the Core i7-2860QM supports 199% 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 32 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i7-2860QM
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	1600+39900%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+209715100%	32
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	✅	❌
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-7300) vs true (Core i7-2860QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7300) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2860QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2860QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.