CPU
GPU
Core i5-7500
FX-9370
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 i5-7500 is positioned at rank 573 and the FX-9370 is on rank 61, so the FX-9370 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7500
Performance Per Dollar FX-9370
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7500 | FX-9370 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7500 | FX-9370 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($65) | ✅ More affordable ($60) |
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 FX-9370
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.
FX-9370
The FX-9370 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 July 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 220 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,374 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-7500 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-9370 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-9370 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7500 versus 4.7 GHz on the FX-9370 — a 21.2% clock advantage for the FX-9370 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core i5-7500 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-9370 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7500 scores 6,362 against the FX-9370's 6,374 — a 0.2% lead for the FX-9370.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | FX-9370 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.7 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 6,362 | 6,374 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7500 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-9370 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | FX-9370 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7500) / not specified (FX-9370). The Core i5-7500 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-9370 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7500 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | FX-9370 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7500 launched at $199 MSRP, while the FX-9370 debuted at $42. At current prices ($65 vs $60), the FX-9370 is $5 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7500 delivers 97.9 pts/$ vs 106.2 pts/$ for the FX-9370 — making the FX-9370 the 8.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7500 | FX-9370 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199 | $42-79% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $65 | $60-8% |
| Performance per Dollar | 97.9 | 106.2+8% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2013 |
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