Intel Core i3-7300 vs Intel Core i3-7100

The Intel Core i3-7300 and Intel Core i3-7100 are seventh-generation desktop processors, both based on the Kaby Lake S architecture.

They were designed for the entry-level segment, ideal for office applications, web browsing, and light multimedia tasks. Both CPUs are manufactured using the 14 nm process, feature two cores and four threads via Hyper-Threading, and support PCIe 3.0. The maximum memory bandwidth for both is 38 GB/s.

The Intel Core i3-7300 has 4 MB of Level-3 cache, while the Intel Core i3-7100 is equipped with 3 MB of Level-3 cache. In performance comparison, the Intel Core i3-7300 shows noticeably better single-core performance thanks to its higher clock rate, with an advantage of over 10 percent in relevant synthetic tests compared to the Intel Core i3-7100.

For multi-core applications, however, the difference is smaller and below the 10 percent threshold, which indicates comparable performance. For gaming, the Intel Core i3-7300 has a slight advantage due to its better single-core performance. Both models feature the integrated Intel HD Graphics 630.

Power consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP) are almost identical for both processors and efficient for their class. Historically, the Intel Core i3-7100 offered excellent value for money for basic applications, while the Intel Core i3-7300 provided a slight performance increase for a small additional cost.

For tasks that benefit from higher single-core performance, the Intel Core i3-7300 is the preferred choice. For everyday applications without high performance requirements, the Intel Core i3-7100 offers perfectly adequate performance.