Core i3-7300
Intel
PassMark
4,519
MSRP
$184
AVG Price
$46
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.
Overview
The Core i3-7300 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,519 points. Launch price was $147.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7300
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i3-7300 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Dead by Daylight
Final Fantasy XIV
Hearts of Iron IV
Honkai: Star Rail
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Naraka: Bladepoint
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i3-7300 specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7300 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,519, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 4 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 4 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 8 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | No |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 4,519 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7300 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i3 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1151 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 64 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | Yes |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | HD Graphics 630 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Core i3-7300 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).
| Specification | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Desktop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d |
Power & Cooling
The Core i3-7300 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 51 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 51 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $46 (MSRP: $184), the Core i3-7300 delivers 98 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1936 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i3-7300 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $184 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $46 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $147 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1936 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 3 January 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Series | Intel Core i3 |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $147 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 3 January 2017 (8 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1936 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Bus Type | DMI 3.0 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 8 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 40 |
| Max Frequency | 4 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 4 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 65 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 51 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 38.397 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i3-7300
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
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