Core i7-7740X vs Core i3-N305
Core i7-7740X
Core i3-N305
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 i7-7740X is positioned at rank 614 and the Core i3-N305 is on rank 681, so the Core i7-7740X offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-7740X
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-N305
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-7740X | Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($309) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-X (2017) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-7740X | Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+108%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($309) |
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 i7-7740X and Core i3-N305
Core i7-7740X
The Core i7-7740X 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 112 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,678 points. Launch price was $339.
Core i3-N305
The Core i3-N305 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,600 points. Launch price was $309.
Processing Power
The Core i7-7740X packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-N305 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i3-N305 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-7740X versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-N305 — a 16.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-7740X (base: 4.3 GHz vs 0.1 GHz). The Core i7-7740X uses the Kaby Lake-X (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-N305 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7740X scores 9,678 against the Core i3-N305's 9,600 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-7740X. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7740X vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-N305.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz+18% | 3.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.3 GHz+4200% | 0.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per module)+700% |
| Process | 14 nm | Intel 7 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake-X (2017) | Alder Lake-N (2023) |
| PassMark | 9,678 | 9,600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-7740X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-N305 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7740X) / not specified (Core i3-N305). Primary use case: Core i7-7740X targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-7740X launched at $339 MSRP, while the Core i3-N305 debuted at $309. At current prices ($150 vs $309), the Core i7-7740X is $159 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7740X delivers 64.5 pts/$ vs 31.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-N305 — making the Core i7-7740X the 70% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-7740X | Core i3-N305 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $339 | $309-9% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-51% | $309 |
| Performance per Dollar | 64.5+107% | 31.1 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2023 |
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