CPU
GPU
Core i5-7500
Core i3-8300
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. The Core i5-7500 is positioned at rank #573 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i5-7500
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7500 | Core i3-8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($65) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7500 | Core i3-8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+109%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($65) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($136) |
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 i5-7500 and Core i3-8300
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.
Core i3-8300
The Core i3-8300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 February 2018 (7 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 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 6,370 points. Launch price was $138.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-7500 and Core i3-8300 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7500 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-8300 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-7500 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-7500 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-8300 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7500 scores 6,362 against the Core i3-8300's 6,370 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-8300. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7500 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-8300.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Core i3-8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+3% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.7 GHz+9% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,362 | 6,370 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,327 |
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: Intel 200 series,Intel 100 series (Core i5-7500) and H310,B360,H370,Q370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-8300).
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Core i3-8300 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7500) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8300). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7500) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8300) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7500 targets Desktop, Core i3-8300 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8300 rivals Ryzen 3 2300X.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Core i3-8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Mainstream Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7500 launched at $199 MSRP, while the Core i3-8300 debuted at $138. At current prices ($65 vs $136), the Core i5-7500 is $71 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7500 delivers 97.9 pts/$ vs 46.8 pts/$ for the Core i3-8300 — making the Core i5-7500 the 70.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | Core i3-8300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199 | $138-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $65-52% | $136 |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.9+109% | 46.8 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-7500 and Core i3-8300
