Core i3-7300T vs Core i5-3340

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 i5-3340 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 i5-3340: 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

✅Costs $44 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.0 vs 23.3 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 77W, a 42W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-3340 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,145 vs 4,249).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-3340

2013

Why buy it

✅+2.5% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.3 vs 30.0 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌120% higher power demand at 77W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-7300T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7300T better than Core i5-3340?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-7300T is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 13 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3340 pulls ahead with 2.5% better PassMark. Core i5-3340 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3340 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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 $44 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 13 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-3340 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 2.5% better PassMark. It is also 28.7% better value on MSRP (30.0 vs 23.3 PassMark/$), 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 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7300T vs Core i5-3340 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 i5-3340

The Core i5-3340 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2013 (12 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,249 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7300T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3340 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3340 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-7300T versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3340 — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-7300T (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-7300T is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-7300T scores 4,145 against the Core i5-3340's 4,249 — a 2.5% lead for the Core i5-3340. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300T vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-3340.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-3340
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+13%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	—
PassMark	4,145	4,249+3%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3340 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-3340
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
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, EPT (Core i3-7300T) / not specified (Core i5-3340). The Core i3-7300T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3340 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7300T rivals Ryzen 3 2200GE.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-3340
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7300T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-3340 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($138 vs $182), Core i3-7300T was $44 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300T delivers 30.0 pts/$ vs 23.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3340 — making the Core i3-7300T the 25.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7300T	Core i5-3340
MSRP	$138-24%	$182
Performance per Dollar	30.0+29%	23.3
Release Date	2017	2013

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