Core i3-8300 vs FX-9370

Intel

Core i3-8300

4 Cores4 Thrd62 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-9370

8 Cores8 Thrd220 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i3-8300 vs FX-9370 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 i3-8300 vs FX-9370 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 FX-9370: 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

  • Draws 62W instead of 220W, a 158W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while FX-9370 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike FX-9370.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9370 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,370 vs 6,374).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 46.2 vs 151.8 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

FX-9370

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +22.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $96 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
  • Delivers 228.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 151.8 vs 46.2 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 254.8% higher power demand at 220W vs 62W.
  • 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 FX-9370 better than Core i3-8300?
Yes. FX-9370 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 22.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, FX-9370 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 22.9% 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, FX-9370 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-9370 is the better buy right now. FX-9370 comes in $96 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 22.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 228.8% better value on MSRP (151.8 vs 46.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8300 vs FX-9370 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-9370

The FX-9370 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 July 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 220 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,374 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-8300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-9370 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-9370 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 versus 4.7 GHz on the FX-9370 — a 23.8% clock advantage for the FX-9370 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core i3-8300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-9370 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300 scores 6,370 against the FX-9370's 6,374 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-9370.

FeatureCore i3-8300FX-9370
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4.7 GHz+27%
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
4.4 GHz+19%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
14 nm-56%
32 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
6,370
6,374
Geekbench 6 Single
1,327
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-9370 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-8300FX-9370
Socket
LGA1151
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8300) / not specified (FX-9370). The Core i3-8300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the FX-9370 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.

FeatureCore i3-8300FX-9370
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 FX-9370 came in at $42. On launch pricing ($138 vs $42), FX-9370 was $96 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300 delivers 46.2 pts/$ vs 151.8 pts/$ for the FX-9370 — making the FX-9370 the 106.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-8300FX-9370
MSRP
$138
$42-70%
Performance per Dollar
46.2
151.8+229%
Release Date
2018
2013

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