Home / Intel Core i3 / Intel Core i3-7340: Performance and Specs

Intel Core i3-7340

Intel Core i3-7340

Intel Core i3-7340: Review and Practical Guide for 2025

April 2025

The Intel Core i3-7340 processor, despite its age, remains a popular choice for budget PCs. Let's review its features, compatibility, and relevance in 2025.

1. Key Specifications

Kaby Lake Architecture and 14 nm Process Technology

Released in 2017, the i3-7340 is built on the Kaby Lake architecture (7th generation Intel). The 14 nm process technology offers a balance between performance and energy efficiency. Key parameters include:

- 2 cores / 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.

- Base frequency of 4.2 GHz (no Turbo Boost).

- L3 cache of 4 MB.

- Integrated Intel HD 630 graphics (maximum frequency of 1150 MHz).

- TDP of 51 W.

Performance: In single-threaded tasks (office applications, browsers), the processor shows high speed due to its high frequency. However, 2 cores limit multitasking. For example, rendering video in HandBrake takes 30% longer compared to the 4-core Ryzen 3 1200.

Key Features:

- Support for AVX2 and AES-NI instructions to accelerate encryption.

- Virtualization technology for virtual machines.

2. Compatible Motherboards

LGA 1151 Socket and Chipsets

The processor uses the LGA 1151 socket (version v2, not compatible with 8th-9th generation CPUs). Suitable chipsets include:

- H110, B250, H270, Z270.

- Examples of motherboards:

- ASUS Prime B250M-A ($60-80 in 2025).

- MSI H270M Mortar ($70-90).

Selection Features:

- The Z270 chipset supports overclocking, but the i3-7340 has a locked multiplier.

- H110 motherboards require a BIOS update (check the version before purchase).

Tip: Look for motherboards with M.2 NVMe (e.g., Gigabyte B250M-DS3H) for fast SSDs.

3. Supported Memory Types

DDR4-2400 and Dual Channel Mode

The processor works with DDR4-2400 (officially supported). The maximum capacity is 64 GB, but for a budget build, 8-16 GB will suffice.

Recommendations:

- Use two modules (e.g., 2x8 GB) to activate dual channel mode. This will increase the performance of HD 630 graphics by 15-20%.

- Avoid DDR3L: while some motherboards support it, it puts additional strain on the memory controller.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

Power Calculation and Reliability

With a TDP of 51 W, even a modest PSU will suffice, but consider other components:

- Integrated graphics: Minimum load - 300 W.

- Discrete graphics card (e.g., GTX 1650): Requires a PSU of 450-500 W.

Examples of PSUs:

- Corsair CX450 (450 W, 80 Plus Bronze, $50-60).

- Seasonic S12III-500 (500 W, 80 Plus Bronze, $55).

Important: Don't skimp on the PSU. Cheap models (e.g., from noname brands) can damage components.

5. Pros and Cons

Strengths and Weaknesses

Pros:

- High single-threaded performance (4.2 GHz).

- Low power consumption.

- Availability of HD 630 for office PCs and HTPCs.

Cons:

- Only 2 cores: hinders performance in multi-threaded tasks (streaming, editing).

- No support for DDR5 or PCIe 4.0.

- Outdated socket (upgrading to newer CPUs is not possible).

6. Use Cases

Who is the i3-7340 Relevant for in 2025?

- Office Tasks: Word, Excel, browsers with 10+ tabs.

- Multimedia: Watching 4K content via HD 630, photo editing in Lightroom.

- Light Gaming: CS:GO, Dota 2 on low settings (720p, 40-60 FPS).

Limitations:

- Modern games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield) require at least 4 cores.

- Video editing in DaVinci Resolve is possible but may be slow.

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 3 1200 vs Intel Core i3-7340

- Ryzen 3 1200 (4 cores/4 threads, 3.1-3.4 GHz): Better for multi-threaded tasks (+25% in Blender), but weaker in single-threaded tasks (-15%).

- Prices in 2025: i3-7340 - $80-100 (new), Ryzen 3 1200 - $60-80 (discontinued but available used).

Advice: If you need integrated graphics, consider the Ryzen 3 3200G (4 cores, Vega 8, $100-120).

8. Practical Assembly Tips

Budget Configuration

- Motherboard: ASRock B250M-HDV ($70).

- Memory: Patriot Signature 16 GB DDR4-2400 (2x8 GB, $45).

- Storage: Kingston A400 480 GB SATA ($35).

- Case: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L ($55).

Optimization:

- Add a GPU (e.g., GTX 1650 for $150) for gaming.

- Use the stock cooler from Intel — it’s sufficient for cooling.

9. Final Conclusion

Who is the i3-7340 Suitable for?

- Budget Users: Build a PC for $300-400 for office and study.

- Owners of Old Systems: Upgrade from Pentium or Celeron-based PCs.

- HTPC Enthusiasts: Low-power media centers with 4K support.

Why in 2025? Despite its age, the processor remains a reliable solution for basic tasks. However, for future upgrades, it’s better to choose a platform supporting DDR5 and PCIe 4.0 (e.g., 12th generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 5000).

Conclusion: The Intel Core i3-7340 is a time-tested option for those who value stability and low power consumption. However, in the age of 8-core CPUs, it should only be considered for niche scenarios.

Read more...

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 i3-7340
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
4.2 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
42.0x
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
51 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