Intel Core i3-1115GRE vs Intel Core i3-7300 Comparison

The Verdict

The data presents a remarkably close contest between two dual-core, four-thread processors from different eras. The Intel Core i3-1115GRE, a Tiger Lake mobile part, wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, but the margins are consistently slim, ranging from 0.9% to 1.9%. The Intel Core i3-7300, a Kaby Lake desktop chip, is never faster in any recorded test, yet its scores are so close that the performance difference is nearly imperceptible in real-world use.

The i3-1115GRE claims victory across all six Cinebench tests, but the average benchmark score tells a slightly fuller story. The i3-1115GRE posts an average score of 1127, while the i3-7300 trails at 1115. That is a difference of roughly 1.1%, which aligns with the head-to-head deltas. Both processors sit in the bottom third of the database's all-CPU percentile ranking, with the i3-1115GRE at the 32nd percentile and the i3-7300 at the 31st percentile. This places both as entry-level performers, not competitive with modern mid-range or high-end parts.

The clear takeaway for buyers is that the i3-1115GRE is the better choice if every bit of performance matters, especially in single-threaded workloads where it wins by 1.9% in Cinebench R15. However, the i3-7300 is not obsolete; it remains within 1.1% in multi-core tests, making it a viable option for desktop users who prioritize socket compatibility or lower power draw. The i3-1115GRE, with its 15W TDP, is dramatically more power-efficient, but the i3-7300's 51W TDP is typical for a desktop part and may be easier to cool with a larger heatsink. The verdict is clear: the i3-1115GRE wins on raw performance, but the i3-7300 is not far behind and may suit desktop builders who do not need the mobile chip's power efficiency.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different design philosophies and fabrication nodes. The Intel Core i3-1115GRE is built on Intel's 10 nm process and uses the Tiger Lake architecture with Willow Cove cores. The i3-7300, by contrast, is a 14 nm Kaby Lake part with the older Skylake-derived core design. This generational gap explains why the newer chip achieves comparable performance at a fraction of the power: the 10 nm node allows for higher transistor density and better efficiency.

Cache configurations differ notably. The i3-1115GRE has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i3-7300 has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and only 4 MB of shared L3. The newer part's larger cache hierarchy likely contributes to its slight edge in single-threaded tests. The i3-1115GRE also supports both DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory, while the i3-7300 only supports DDR4. The i3-1115GRE additionally supports ECC memory, a feature the i3-7300 lacks entirely.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i3-1115GRE includes UHD Graphics G4 with 48 execution units, while the i3-7300 has the older Intel HD 630. The newer GPU has more execution units, which should provide better integrated graphics performance, though no benchmark data is available in the database to quantify this. PCIe support is another divergence: the i3-1115GRE offers Gen 4 with 4 lanes, while the i3-7300 provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The desktop chip has more lanes for expansion, while the mobile chip offers faster per-lane bandwidth. Sockets are entirely incompatible: the i3-1115GRE uses Intel BGA 1449, and the i3-7300 uses Intel Socket 1151.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i3-1115GRE wins every multi-core test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 3899 against the i3-7300's 3856, a 1.1% lead. The margin is similar in Cinebench R20 (1637 vs 1619) and R15 (392 vs 388).

Q: How does the single-core performance compare?

A: The i3-1115GRE is ahead in all single-core tests. Its biggest win is in Cinebench R15 single-core, where it scores 55 versus 54, a 1.9% advantage. In Cinebench R20, it leads 231 to 228, and in R23, 550 to 544.

Q: Is the i3-7300 a bad purchase compared to the i3-1115GRE?

A: Not necessarily. The i3-7300 trails by only 1.1% in average benchmark score (1115 vs 1127) and sits just one percentile lower (31st vs 32nd). For desktop users with a Socket 1151 motherboard, it remains a capable option, especially given its higher 4.00 GHz base clock.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The i3-1115GRE has a 15W TDP, while the i3-7300 has a 51W TDP. This makes the mobile chip significantly more power-efficient, which is critical for laptops but less relevant for desktops with adequate cooling.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the i3-1115GRE supports ECC memory. The i3-7300 does not. This makes the newer part more suitable for entry-level server or workstation builds where data integrity is a priority.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock?

A: The i3-7300 has a 4.00 GHz base clock, while the i3-1115GRE has a 2.20 GHz base clock. However, the i3-1115GRE has a 3.90 GHz boost clock, and the i3-7300 has no boost clock listed, meaning its 4.00 GHz is the maximum sustained speed.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in almost every measurable specification except core count and thread count, which are identical at 2 cores and 4 threads. The i3-1115GRE has a base clock of 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the i3-7300 runs at a fixed 4.00 GHz with no boost. TDP is a major gap: 15W versus 51W. The socket is different (BGA 1449 versus Socket 1151), and the process node is smaller on the newer part (10 nm versus 14 nm).

Cache sizes differ across all levels. The i3-1115GRE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 6 MB L3 shared. The i3-7300 has 64 KB L1, 256 KB L2, and 4 MB L3. Memory support is broader on the i3-1115GRE (DDR4 and LPDDR4X) versus DDR4 only on the i3-7300. The i3-7300 has a specified memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the i3-1115GRE has no listed bandwidth. ECC memory is supported only on the i3-1115GRE. PCIe versions differ: Gen 4 with 4 lanes versus Gen 3 with 16 lanes. The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics G4 48EU on the i3-1115GRE and Intel HD 630 on the i3-7300. The i3-1115GRE has a die size of 144 mm², while the i3-7300 has no die size listed. The i3-1115GRE has a launch MSRP of $338, and the i3-7300 has no launch MSRP recorded.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a consistent, though narrow, victory for the i3-1115GRE across all six Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-1115GRE scores 392 against 388, a 1% advantage. The single-core R15 test is the closest race, with 55 versus 54, a 1.9% delta that represents the largest win for the newer chip. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 1637 versus 1619, a 1.1% lead, and R20 single-core shows 231 versus 228, a 1.3% lead. Cinebench R23 multi-core is nearly identical in margin, with 3899 versus 3856, also a 1.1% gap, while R23 single-core has 550 versus 544, another 1.1% difference.

The pattern is clear: the i3-1115GRE wins every test, but the margins are small enough that they could be attributed to architectural efficiency rather than a dramatic performance leap. The biggest gap is in single-core R15, where the newer chip's higher boost clock and larger cache likely contribute to its edge. The smallest gap is in multi-core R15, where the two are separated by just 4 points. The i3-7300's higher base clock of 4.00 GHz helps it stay competitive in multi-threaded tests, even though it lacks a boost clock. Overall, the i3-1115GRE wins 6 benchmarks, and the i3-7300 wins 0, but the average delta across all tests is around 1.2%, indicating a near-tie in practical terms.

Where Each One Wins

The i3-1115GRE wins in every recorded benchmark, so its strength lies in both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance, albeit by a small margin. Its 10 nm architecture and larger L3 cache (6 MB versus 4 MB) likely explain its consistent edge. It is also the only one of the two with ECC memory support, making it the better choice for reliability-focused builds. Its 15W TDP makes it ideal for thin-and-light laptops or fanless designs, where power efficiency is paramount. The integrated UHD Graphics G4 with 48 execution units should also handle light graphics workloads better than the older HD 630, though no benchmark data confirms this.

The i3-7300, despite losing all benchmarks, has its own advantages. Its 4.00 GHz fixed clock means no boost variability, which can be beneficial for applications that require consistent performance. Its 51W TDP is higher, but for desktop users with a Socket 1151 motherboard, this is not a drawback; it allows for more aggressive cooling solutions and potentially longer sustained performance under load. The 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes provide more expansion options for GPUs or NVMe drives compared to the i3-1115GRE's 4 Gen 4 lanes. For users who already own a Socket 1151 motherboard or need more PCIe lanes, the i3-7300 remains a sensible choice. It also has a specified memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, which the i3-1115GRE lacks in the database, suggesting the desktop part may have better memory throughput in certain workloads.