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 i3-9300 vs Core i5-7640X 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 i3-9300 vs Core i5-7640X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9300

2019

Why buy it

✅+5.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $106 less on MSRP ($143 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
✅Delivers 75.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.7 vs 28.4 PassMark/$ ($143 MSRP vs $249 MSRP).
✅Draws 62W instead of 112W, a 50W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-7640X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-7640X

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,419 vs 1,498).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (3,726 vs 4,025).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.4 vs 49.7 PassMark/$ ($249 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
❌80.6% higher power demand at 112W vs 62W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9300 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9300 better than Core i5-7640X?

Yes. Core i3-9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 8% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.6% higher 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 i3-9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i3-9300 is the stronger fit. You are getting 8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9300 is the better buy right now. Core i3-9300 comes in $106 cheaper on MSRP at $143 MSRP versus $249 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 75.2% better value on MSRP (49.7 vs 28.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9300 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i3-9300 vs Core i5-7640X Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300

The Core i3-9300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 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 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 7,105 points. Launch price was $143.

Core i5-7640X

The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9300 and Core i5-7640X share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-9300 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i3-9300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7640X uses Kaby Lake-X (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300 scores 7,105 against the Core i5-7640X's 7,060 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-9300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,498 vs 1,419, a 5.4% lead for the Core i3-9300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 4,025 vs 3,726 (7.7% advantage for the Core i3-9300). Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i5-7640X
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+2%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz	4 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Kaby Lake-X (2017)
PassMark	7,105	7,060
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,726
Geekbench 6 Single	1,498+6%	1,419
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,025+8%	3,726

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7640X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-7640X — the Core i5-7640X supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1151 (Core i3-9300) and X299 (Core i5-7640X).

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i5-7640X
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-9300) vs Yes (Core i5-7640X). The Core i3-9300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i5-7640X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	—	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300 was priced at $143, while the Core i5-7640X came in at $249. On launch pricing ($143 vs $249), Core i3-9300 was $106 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300 delivers 49.7 pts/$ vs 28.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-7640X — making the Core i3-9300 the 54.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i5-7640X
MSRP	$143-43%	$249
Performance per Dollar	49.7+75%	28.4
Release Date	2019	2017

Search Core i3-9300 on Amazon

Search Core i5-7640X on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.