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Intel Core i3-7320T

Intel Core i3-7320T

Intel Core i3-7320T: A Budget Processor from 2017 in 2025 — Is It Worth Considering?

Key Specifications: Architecture and Features

The Intel Core i3-7320T, released in 2017, belongs to the Kaby Lake generation (7th generation Intel Core). It is built on a 14nm manufacturing process, which was considered advanced at the time of release. However, in 2025, this is now an outdated standard, though the processor still remains functional for basic tasks.

Key Parameters:

- Cores and Threads: 2 cores / 4 threads (thanks to Hyper-Threading).

- Frequency: Base — 3.5 GHz (no turbo boost).

- Cache: L3 — 4 MB.

- TDP: 35 W — low power consumption.

- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 630 (maximum frequency — 1.1 GHz).

Architecture Features:

- Supports AVX2 and SSE4.2 instruction sets.

- Features SpeedStep and Thermal Monitoring power-saving technologies.

- Built-in DDR4/DDR3L memory controller.

Performance in 2025:

- In Cinebench R23 tests: ~350 points (single-threaded) and ~800 (multi-threaded). In comparison, the modern budget Ryzen 3 7300U (2024) scores ~1200 points in multi-threaded mode.

- The integrated HD 630 graphics handle Full HD video and older games (e.g., CS:GO on low settings — 40-50 FPS).

Compatible Motherboards: What to Choose in 2025?

The processor uses the LGA 1151 (v2) socket but is compatible only with 200 series chipsets:

- H210/B250: Budget boards with basic functionality (suitable for office PCs).

- H270: Enhanced capabilities (more SATA/USB ports).

- Z270: For enthusiasts (memory overclocking, RAID support).

Examples of Models:

- ASUS Prime B250M-A (2025 price — $80-100 for new, if remaining in stock).

- Gigabyte H270-HD3 (rare models — up to $120).

Important: New motherboards for LGA 1151 are not produced anymore. Most available options are refurbished or from old stocks. Check BIOS compatibility before purchasing!

Supported Memory: DDR4 vs DDR3L

The processor works with:

- DDR4-2400 (maximum 64 GB).

- DDR3L-1600 (seldom used due to limited compatibility).

Recommendations:

- For Windows 11/12: 8-16 GB DDR4 (e.g., Kingston Fury 16 GB DDR4-2400 — $45).

- Avoid DDR3L — it is an outdated standard with low performance.

Power Supply: Minimal Costs

With a TDP of 35 W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU. Even considering other components:

- Without a dedicated graphics card: 300 W is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! Pure Power 11 300W — $55).

- With a graphics card like GTX 1650: 450 W (Corsair CX450 — $60).

Advice: Choose a PSU with an 80+ Bronze certification or higher for reliability.

Pros and Cons of the Intel Core i3-7320T

Pros:

- Low power consumption — ideal for compact PCs.

- Integrated graphics for basic tasks.

- Sufficient performance for office work and web browsing.

Cons:

- Only 2 cores — multitasking is limited.

- No support for PCIe 4.0 or DDR5.

- Outdated architecture — lags behind even budget CPUs of 2025.

Use Cases: Where is the Processor Relevant?

1. Office Tasks: Working with documents, browsers, Zoom.

- Example: A PC with 8 GB RAM and SSD runs Microsoft 365 smoothly.

2. Multimedia: Playing 4K video (with hardware decoding support), streaming.

- Important: For HDR or AV1, an external graphics card is required.

3. Light Gaming:

- Minecraft (60 FPS on medium settings).

- GTA V (720p, low settings — ~30 FPS).

4. Home Server: Low power consumption suits a NAS running FreeNAS.

Comparison with Competitors

1. AMD Ryzen 3 2200G (2018):

- 4 cores / 4 threads, Vega 8 graphics.

- 30-40% faster in multi-threaded tasks.

- 2025 price: $60-80 (used — $30-40).

2. Intel Core i3-10100 (2020):

- 4 cores / 8 threads, UHD 630.

- 50% more performance in multitasking.

- New units — $90-110.

Conclusion: The i3-7320T falls short even against older counterparts. Its advantage is an extremely low price (new — $50-70).

Tips for Building a PC Around the i3-7320T

1. Motherboard: Look for B250/H270 with warranty (e.g., ASRock B250M Pro4).

2. Memory: 16 GB DDR4-2400 is the minimum for comfortable operation.

3. Storage: An SSD is a must (Crucial MX500 500 GB — $40).

4. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but replace it with an Arctic Freezer 7 X ($15) for quieter operation.

5. Case: Mini-ITX for space-saving (Cooler Master Elite 110 — $60).

Warning: Don’t expect upgrades — the LGA 1151 socket is outdated. This solution is for "here and now."

Final Verdict: Who is the i3-7320T Suitable For?

This processor is worth considering only in two scenarios:

1. Super Budget Build: When you need a PC for Word, YouTube, and email on a minimal budget (complete system — $200-300).

2. Upgrading an Old PC: If you already have a motherboard with LGA 1151 and DDR4.

Alternative: For the same $50-70, it’s better to buy a used Ryzen 5 2400G (4 cores / 8 threads + powerful graphics). But if new components (even if they are 8 years old) matter to you — the i3-7320T remains an option.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
July 2017
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i3-7320T
Code Name
Kaby Lake
Generation
Core i3 (Kaby Lake)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
2
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
3.6 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
N/A
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
4 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel Socket 1151
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
36.0x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
35 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
Intel HD 630