Core i3-9300 vs Core i5-7640X
Core i3-9300
Core i5-7640X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9300
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7640X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9300 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($75) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9300 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($75) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-9300 and Core i5-7640X
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. Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. 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 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| 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
The Core i3-9300 launched at $143 MSRP, while the Core i5-7640X debuted at $249. At current prices ($75 vs $85), the Core i3-9300 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300 delivers 94.7 pts/$ vs 83.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-7640X — making the Core i3-9300 the 13.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9300 | Core i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $143-43% | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75-12% | $85 |
| Performance per Dollar | 94.7+14% | 83.1 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2017 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-9300 and Core i5-7640X
