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 i3-7300T vs Core i5-2500K 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 i3-7300T vs Core i5-2500K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-7300T

2017

Why buy it

✅+60.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 63.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.0 vs 18.4 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-2500K

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (684 vs 1,100).
❌Lower PassMark (4,141 vs 4,145).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.4 vs 30.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7300T better than Core i5-2500K?

Yes. Core i3-7300T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 13 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i3-7300T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% more average FPS across 13 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7300T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7300T is the better buy right now. Core i3-7300T comes in $87 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 13 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 63.2% better value on MSRP (30.0 vs 18.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011) 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 i3-7300T vs Core i5-2500K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-7300T

The Core i3-7300T 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,145 points. Launch price was $147.

Core i5-2500K

The Core i5-2500K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,141 points. Launch price was $216.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7300T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2500K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2500K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-7300T versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i3-7300T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-2500K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300T scores 4,145 against the Core i5-2500K's 4,141 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-7300T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,100 vs 684, a 46.6% lead for the Core i3-7300T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2500K.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-2500K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.7 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,145	4,141
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,200
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100+61%	684
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,032

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2500K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2500K — the Core i3-7300T supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: B250,H270,Z270,Q250,Q270 (Core i3-7300T) and P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K).

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-2500K
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-2500K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7300T) vs VT-x (Core i5-2500K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7300T) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2500K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-2500K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i3-7300T rivals Ryzen 3 2200GE; Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-2500K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7300T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-2500K came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-7300T was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300T delivers 30.0 pts/$ vs 18.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-2500K — making the Core i3-7300T the 48% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-2500K
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	30.0+63%	18.4
Release Date	2017	2011

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