Core i3-8300 vs Core i7-3770

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 i3-8300 vs Core i7-3770 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 i3-8300 vs Core i7-3770: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8300

2018

Why buy it

✅Costs $156 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 111.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.2 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-3770 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3770.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,370 vs 6,419).

Core i7-3770

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.8 vs 46.2 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-8300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770 better than Core i3-8300?

Yes. Core i7-3770 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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 i7-3770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3770 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3770 comes in 113.0% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8300 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 111.4% better value on paper (46.2 vs 21.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-8300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8300 vs Core i7-3770 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8300

The Core i3-8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,370 points. Launch price was $138.

Core i7-3770

The Core i7-3770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,419 points. Launch price was $294.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3770's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-8300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3770 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300 scores 6,370 against the Core i7-3770's 6,419 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-3770. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i7-3770
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.9 GHz+5%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+9%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,370	6,419
Geekbench 6 Single	1,327	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3770 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i7-3770
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 i3-8300) / not specified (Core i7-3770). The Core i3-8300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i7-3770
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8300 was priced at $138, while the Core i7-3770 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($138 vs $294), Core i3-8300 was $156 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300 delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 21.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-3770 — making the Core i3-8300 the 71.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8300	Core i7-3770
MSRP	$138-53%	$294
Performance per Dollar	46.2+112%	21.8
Release Date	2018	2012

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