Core i3-9300 vs Core i7-6820EQ

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 i7-6820EQ 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 i7-6820EQ: 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

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $235 less on MSRP ($143 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 167.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 49.7 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($143 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-6820EQ.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌37.8% higher power demand at 62W vs 45W.

Core i7-6820EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 62W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9300 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,025 vs 7,105).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.6 vs 49.7 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $143 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9300 better than Core i7-6820EQ?

Yes. Core i3-9300 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 i3-9300 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.4% 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 1.1% better PassMark, 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 $235 cheaper on MSRP at $143 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 167.3% better value on MSRP (49.7 vs 18.6 PassMark/$), 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 2015) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9300 vs Core i7-6820EQ 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 i7-6820EQ

The Core i7-6820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,025 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-6820EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-9300 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ — a 42.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300. The Core i3-9300 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6820EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300 scores 7,105 against the Core i7-6820EQ's 7,025 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-9300. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9300 vs 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i7-6820EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+54%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,105+1%	7,025
Geekbench 6 Single	1,498	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	4,025	—

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9300 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6820EQ — the Core i3-9300 supports 12.5% 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.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i7-6820EQ
Socket	LGA1151	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9300) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6820EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i7-6820EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300 was priced at $143, while the Core i7-6820EQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($143 vs $378), Core i3-9300 was $235 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300 delivers 49.7 pts/$ vs 18.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-6820EQ — making the Core i3-9300 the 91.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300	Core i7-6820EQ
MSRP	$143-62%	$378
Performance per Dollar	49.7+167%	18.6
Release Date	2019	2015

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