Core i3-7300 vs Xeon D-1518

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 Xeon D-1518 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 Xeon D-1518: 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

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon D-1518 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,519 vs 4,562).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon D-1518, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Xeon D-1518 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌45.7% higher power demand at 51W vs 35W.

Xeon D-1518

2015

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
✅Draws 35W instead of 51W, a 16W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (1.5 MB vs 4 MB).
❌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 Xeon D-1518?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon D-1518 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-7300 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon D-1518 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 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 at an unclear MSRP at $184 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 41 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon D-1518 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 166.7% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 1.5 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7300 vs Xeon D-1518 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.

Xeon D-1518

The Xeon D-1518 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 1.5 MB (per core). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1667. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,562 points. Launch price was $193.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7300 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon D-1518 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon D-1518 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-7300 versus 2.2 GHz on the Xeon D-1518 — a 58.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300 (base: 4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-7300 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon D-1518 uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300 scores 4,519 against the Xeon D-1518's 4,562 — a 0.9% lead for the Xeon D-1518. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300 vs 1.5 MB (per core) on the Xeon D-1518.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Xeon D-1518
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4 GHz+82%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+82%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+167%	1.5 MB (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark	4,519	4,562

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon D-1518 uses FCBGA1667 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7300	Xeon D-1518
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1667
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 (Xeon D-1518). The Core i3-7300 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon D-1518 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300 targets Desktop.