Core i3-7300T vs FX-6300

Intel

Core i3-7300T

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-6300

6 Cores6 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i3-7300T vs FX-6300 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-7300T vs FX-6300 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 FX-6300: 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

  • +106% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while FX-6300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 4.5% HIGHER MSRP
    $138 MSRPvs$132 MSRP

FX-6300

2012

Why buy it

  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Costs $6 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (534 vs 1,100).
  • Lower PassMark (4,137 vs 4,145).
  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7300T better than FX-6300?
Yes. Core i3-7300T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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 0.0% 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 i3-7300T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-7300T comes in 4.5% more expensive on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $132 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. FX-6300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 4.3% better value on paper (31.3 vs 30.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.
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 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 6/6. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7300T vs FX-6300 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-6300

The FX-6300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 4,137 points. Launch price was $132.

Processing Power

The Core i3-7300T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6300 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6300 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-7300T versus 3.8 GHz on the FX-6300 — a 8.2% clock advantage for the FX-6300 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i3-7300T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-6300 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7300T scores 4,145 against the FX-6300's 4,137 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-7300T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,100 vs 534, a 69.3% lead for the Core i3-7300T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300T vs 8192 kB on the FX-6300.

FeatureCore i3-7300TFX-6300
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
6 / 6+200%
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz
3.8 GHz+9%
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
8192 kB+100%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
6144 kB+2300%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
4,145
4,137
Geekbench 6 Single
1,100+106%
534
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6300 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300T versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-6300 — the Core i3-7300T supports 28.6% 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7300T) vs 0 (FX-6300) — the Core i3-7300T offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B250,H270,Z270,Q250,Q270 (Core i3-7300T) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-6300).

FeatureCore i3-7300TFX-6300
Socket
LGA1151
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+29%
DDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the FX-6300 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 AMD-V (FX-6300). The Core i3-7300T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-6300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7300T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7300T rivals Ryzen 3 2200GE.

FeatureCore i3-7300TFX-6300
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
AMD-V
Target Use
Low Power Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7300T was priced at $138, while the FX-6300 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($138 vs $132), FX-6300 was $6 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7300T delivers 30.0 pts/$ vs 31.3 pts/$ for the FX-6300 — making the FX-6300 the 4.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-7300TFX-6300
MSRP
$138
$132-4%
Performance per Dollar
30.0
31.3+4%
Release Date
2017
2012

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