Core i5-2500 vs Core i3-7300T
Core i5-2500
Core i3-7300T
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. The Core i5-2500 is positioned at rank 922 and the Core i3-7300T is on rank 593, so the Core i3-7300T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7300T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500 | Core i3-7300T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($69) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500 | Core i3-7300T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+84%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($69) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
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.
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2500 and Core i3-7300T
Core i5-2500
The Core i5-2500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,102 points. Launch price was $85.
Core i3-7300T
The Core i3-7300T 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,145 points. Launch price was $147.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7300T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2500 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-7300T — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-2500 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7300T uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500 scores 4,102 against the Core i3-7300T's 4,145 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-7300T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 590 vs 1,100, a 60.4% lead for the Core i3-7300T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300T.
| Feature | Core i5-2500 | Core i3-7300T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+6% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.5 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total)+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 4,102 | 4,145+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 2,642 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 590 | 1,100+86% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,690 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7300T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2500 versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300T — the Core i3-7300T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2500) and B250,H270,Z270,Q250,Q270 (Core i3-7300T).
| Feature | Core i5-2500 | Core i3-7300T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2500) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7300T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500 targets Desktop, Core i3-7300T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-7300T rivals Ryzen 3 2200GE.
| Feature | Core i5-2500 | Core i3-7300T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 2000 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2500 launched at $294 MSRP, while the Core i3-7300T debuted at $138. At current prices ($69 vs $128), the Core i5-2500 is $59 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500 delivers 59.4 pts/$ vs 32.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-7300T — making the Core i5-2500 the 58.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2500 | Core i3-7300T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294 | $138-53% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $69-46% | $128 |
| Performance per Dollar | 59.4+83% | 32.4 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2017 |
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