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 i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K: 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

✅Costs $201 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 95W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,519 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +146.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Delivers 52.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 24.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
109.2% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$184 MSRP
❌86.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 51W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i3-7300?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 146.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 218.6% 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 i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 146.1% 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 i7-9700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 218.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-9700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700K comes in 109.2% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 146.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 52.3% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 24.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017), 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7300 vs Core i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K

The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 20.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-7300 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300 scores 4,519 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 104.4% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.9 GHz+23%
Base Clock	4 GHz+11%	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	4,519	14,397+219%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7300) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7300 was priced at $184, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($184 vs $385), Core i3-7300 was $201 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300 delivers 24.6 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 41.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$184-52%	$385
Performance per Dollar	24.6	37.4+52%
Release Date	2017	2018

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