CPU
GPU
Core i5-7640X
Core i3-9300
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 i5-7640X is positioned at rank #619 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 i5-7640X
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9300
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7640X | Core i3-9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) | ✅ More affordable ($75) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7640X | Core i3-9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+14%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($85) | ✅ More affordable ($75) |
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 i5-7640X and Core i3-9300
Core i5-7640X
The Core i5-7640X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 7,060 points. Launch price was $242.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-7640X and Core i3-9300 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7640X versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i3-9300 — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-9300 (base: 4 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-7640X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-9300 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7640X scores 7,060 against the Core i3-9300's 7,105 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-9300. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,419 vs 1,498, a 5.4% lead for the Core i3-9300 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,726 vs 4,025 (7.7% advantage for the Core i3-9300). Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-7640X | Core i3-9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+8% | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake-X (2017) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 7,060 | 7,105 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,726 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,419 | 1,498+6% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 3,726 | 4,025+8% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-7640X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-9300 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 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: X299 (Core i5-7640X) and LGA1151 (Core i3-9300).
| Feature | Core i5-7640X | Core i3-9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-7640X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7640X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-9300). The Core i3-9300 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-7640X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7640X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-7640X | Core i3-9300 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | Yes | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7640X launched at $249 MSRP, while the Core i3-9300 debuted at $143. At current prices ($85 vs $75), the Core i3-9300 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7640X delivers 83.1 pts/$ vs 94.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-9300 — making the Core i3-9300 the 13.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7640X | Core i3-9300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249 | $143-43% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $85 | $75-12% |
| Performance per Dollar | 83.1 | 94.7+14% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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