Intel Core i3 7300 Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4519
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Core i3 7300 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

6.7

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.1

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Poor
6.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(7)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 2.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.8

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i3-7300
intel-core-i3-7300

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-7300 is a 7th Generation desktop processor based on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture, featuring 2 physical cores and 4 threads via Hyper-Threading technology. Operating at a high fixed base frequency of 4.00 GHz with no Turbo Boost, it includes 4 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 51W TDP, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 capable of 4K support at 60Hz. Its primary advantages include strong single-core performance for everyday productivity, low power consumption, and compatibility with the LGA 1151 socket supporting DDR4-2400 memory. However, its main drawbacks are the lack of an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, the absence of a Turbo clock, and a limited core count that can create bottlenecks in modern multi-threaded applications or high-end gaming.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 7300

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.1

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

4.3
Intel Core i3 7300 has a technical score of 4.35 points, which is lower than that of 69.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(7)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.7
Intel Core i3 7300 has a user score of 6.72 points, which is lower than that of 96.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.9
Intel Core i3 7300 has a popularity of 1.9 points, which is higher than 75.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.2
Intel Core i3 7300 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 56.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i3 7300 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i3 7300 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

?
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 7300 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i3 7300 has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 7300 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 7300 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 4.0 GHz
Intel Core i3 7300 has a base clock of 2x4.0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i3 7300 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i3 7300 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

4 MB
Intel Core i3 7300 has an L3 cache of 4 MB which is smaller than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core i3 7300 has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i3 7300 has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4
Intel Core i3 7300 supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i3 7300 supports memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i3 7300 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 74.1% of processors and equal to 1.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i3 7300 supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 7300 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 630
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 630
Intel Core i3 7300 uses the Intel HD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 73.9% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i3 7300 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i3 7300 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

51 W
Intel Core i3 7300 has a TDP of 51 W which is higher than that of 61.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

51 W
Intel Core i3 7300 has a base power of 51 W which is higher than that of 61.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

N/A
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i3 7300 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i3 7300 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 7300 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 7300 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i3 7300 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Can work with ECC memory, which helps detect and correct certain memory errors on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When long-term stability, uptime, or data integrity matter more than a basic consumer-style setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 7300 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 87.1% more popular
    Intel Core i3 7300 is more popular than the average processor (1.87 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i3 7300 is more popular than the average processor (1.87 vs 1.000).1.87 vs 1
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 7300 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i3 7300 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 7300 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 7300 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    What it is: The ratio used to derive CPU frequency from the base clock.
    When it matters: When you tune or compare overclocking behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >33

    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.40 vs 28
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 7300 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 7300 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i3 7300 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 7300 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 7300 has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    January 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 7300 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 7300 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 72% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,340 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 57.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,519 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 7300 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 8.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,340 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 4.1% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,382 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 7300 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 50% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 7300 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 16.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (38.4 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i3 7300 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 630 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 7300 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 13.3% higher base power
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (51 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 7300 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 7300 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 72% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,340 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,340 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,340 vs 4,793
  • 57.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,519 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,519 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,519 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 7300 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 7300 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i3 7300 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 7300 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 7300 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
    When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=512 KB

    Intel Core i3 7300 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.128 KB vs 384 KB

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 7300 and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i3 7300?

  • High base clock speed of 4.0 GHz providing strong single-core performance for general tasks
  • Efficient power consumption with a low Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 51W
  • Reliable for office work, web browsing, and casual multitasking due to Hyper-Threading (2 cores/4 threads)
  • Includes AVX2 instruction support which aids in faster video encoding compared to lower-end Pentium models
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 is sufficient for basic 4K support and light desktop needs

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 7300?

  • Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking to gain more performance
  • Limited longevity for modern gaming, with significantly lower frame rates in AAA titles compared to i5 or i7 counterparts
  • Small cache size (4MB L3) limits performance in calculation-heavy or data-intensive applications
  • Poor value proposition at launch compared to the cheaper Pentium G4560 which offered similar specs for much less money
  • Struggles with heavy background tasks or professional-grade workloads due to the low physical core count

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
01/07/2026

The Intel Core i3-7300 is a dual-core Kaby Lake desktop processor released in early 2017 with a 4.0 GHz base clock and 51W TDP, supporting ECC memory and Intel Hyper-Threading for improved efficiency. Its primary strengths include strong single-core performance suitable for office tasks and integrated HD Graphics 630 capable of 4K playback. However, the processor suffers from having...Read more

C
chip.de
03/03/2017

The Intel Core i3-7300 is a "Kaby Lake" desktop processor featuring a high 4.0 GHz base clock, 2 cores, and 4 threads, offering strong performance for office tasks and efficient 51W TDP cooling. While it includes Intel HD Graphics 630 capable of 4K 60Hz output, its dual-core design limits multitasking and high-end gaming compared to i5 alternatives. Lacking Turbo Boost and an...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
25/08/2017

The Intel Core i3-7300 is a dual-core Kaby Lake desktop processor featuring a 4.0 GHz base clock, 14 nm architecture, and a 51 W TDP. It provides solid energy efficiency, high single-core performance for general tasks, and integrated HD Graphics 630. However, its limited value proposition against the cheaper Pentium G4560 and its locked multiplier make it a hard sell, particularly...Read more

H
hardware.fr
04/05/2017

The Hardware.fr review identifies the Intel Pentium G4560 as a revolutionary entry-level processor, effectively rendering the Core i3-7100 obsolete by offering nearly identical performance at 40% of the price. By introducing Hyper-Threading to the Pentium line, this 3.5 GHz dual-core chip delivers unmatched value, providing roughly 80% of an i3’s power for approximately $64. The CPU...Read more

T
techzine.nl
11/12/2017

The Techzine.nl review highlights the Shuttle Slim XH110G (X1120B) as a versatile 3-liter barebone PC designed for industrial and professional use, featuring a unique full-sized PCI-E x16 slot for expansion cards. It supports 6th/7th Gen Intel Core processors up to 65W, with a robust metal chassis capable of 24/7 operation in high-temperature environments (up to 50°C). Key...Read more

T
tweakers.net
03/01/2017

Tweakers.net reviews the Intel Core i7-7700K (Kaby Lake), describing it as an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, upgrade over the i7-6700K (Skylake). Due to an optimized "14nm+" process, the 7700K offers higher out-of-the-box clock speeds (4.2 GHz base/4.5 GHz boost), resulting in a 5% to 9% performance increase in multi-threaded tasks, while maintaining identical IPC. Key...Read more

H
hardware.info
03/01/2017

The Hardware.info review characterizes the Intel Core i7-7700K and i5-7600K "Kaby Lake" processors as an optimization of the 14nm process, delivering roughly 7-10% higher performance than Skylake through increased stock clock speeds. Key benefits include exceptional overclocking headroom to 5.0 GHz on standard cooling, improved media capabilities with native HEVC/VP9 4K decoding,...Read more

Video reviews

Compare Intel Core i3 7300 with other processors

VS
VS

Compare