Core i3-9300T vs Core i5-7500

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 i3-9300T vs Core i5-7500 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 i3-9300T vs Core i5-7500: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9300T

2019

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core i5-7500.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-7500 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,323 vs 6,362).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 32.0 PassMark/$ ($309 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

Core i5-7500

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $110 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7500 better than Core i3-9300T?

Yes. Core i5-7500 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7500 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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 i5-7500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7500 is the better buy right now. Core i5-7500 comes in $110 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 56.2% better value on MSRP (32.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9300T vs Core i5-7500 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300T

The Core i3-9300T 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,323 points. Launch price was $143.

Core i5-7500

The Core i5-7500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,362 points. Launch price was $202.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9300T and Core i5-7500 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-9300T versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7500 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i3-9300T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7500 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300T scores 6,323 against the Core i5-7500's 6,362 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-7500. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i3-9300T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7500.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i5-7500
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	8 MB+33%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	6,323	6,362
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,265	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. 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: H310,B360,H370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-9300T) and Intel 200 series,Intel 100 series (Core i5-7500).

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i5-7500
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2400
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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-9300T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7500). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9300T) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7500) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9300T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i5-7500 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i5-7500
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300T was priced at $309, while the Core i5-7500 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($309 vs $199), Core i5-7500 was $110 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300T delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 32.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-7500 — making the Core i5-7500 the 43.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i5-7500
MSRP	$309	$199-36%
Performance per Dollar	20.5	32.0+56%
Release Date	2019	2017

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