Intel Core i3-7340
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-7340 Specifications
Core i3-7340 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-7340 features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i3-7340 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-7340 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-7340 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-7340 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-7340 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-7340's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Kaby Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-7340 is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-7340 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Kaby Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-7340 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-7340 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 51W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1151 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-7340 uses the Intel Socket 1151 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1151 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-7340 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-7340 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i3-7340 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-7340 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-7340 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-7340 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-7340 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
About Intel Core i3-7340
The Intel Core i3-7340 is a desktop processor built on Kaby Lake architecture, featuring two physical cores and four threads via Hyper-Threading. It runs at a fixed 4.20 GHz base clock with no boost capability, draws a 51 W TDP, and is manufactured on Intel's 14 nm process. The chip occupies the 50th percentile in the benchmark database, meaning it outperforms exactly half of all recorded CPUs—a median placement that reflects its dual-core design balanced by an unusually high clock speed.
Benchmark Performance
The Core i3-7340's benchmark standing is defined by its 50th percentile rank across all CPUs in the database. This median position indicates that, while not a performance leader, it holds its own against a wide field of processors. The lack of any recorded benchmark scores in the data means we cannot cite specific frame rates or synthetic numbers, but the percentile placement alone tells a clear story: this is a middle-of-the-pack part that trades core count for frequency.
With two cores and four threads, the i3-7340 is fundamentally a low-thread-count processor. Its 4.20 GHz base clock is the highest single frequency in the entire Kaby Lake desktop lineup, and it compensates for the modest core count in workloads that favor raw clock speed. The 4 MB of shared L3 cache and 64 KB L1 / 256 KB L2 per core provide adequate data buffering for a dual-core design. In the context of the database's 50th percentile, the chip sits squarely between budget-oriented dual-cores and mid-range quad-cores, but the absence of a boost clock means it never exceeds its base frequency, capping peak performance.
The processor supports DDR4 memory in dual-channel configuration with a theoretical bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. This memory throughput is sufficient for a dual-core part and aligns with the 50th percentile ranking, as many competing chips with similar core counts offer comparable bandwidth. The PCIe Gen 3 interface with 16 CPU lanes allows for a single discrete GPU or multiple storage devices, though the dual-core architecture may bottleneck high-end graphics cards in modern titles.
Power and Thermals
The 51 W TDP places the Core i3-7340 in a low-power segment. This is a modest thermal envelope that does not require exotic cooling solutions; a standard air cooler with a small heatsink and fan will suffice. The 14 nm process node contributes to efficiency, keeping heat output manageable even at the high 4.20 GHz clock. For system builders, this means the i3-7340 can be installed in compact cases with limited airflow without risking thermal throttling.
The absence of a boost clock also simplifies thermal management: the processor runs at a constant frequency under load, so power draw remains predictable. The 51 W figure is lower than many quad-core parts but higher than typical ultra-low-power chips, placing it in a sweet spot for everyday desktops. The integrated Intel HD 630 graphics add a small additional thermal load, but the overall TDP still allows for silent or near-silent operation with a passive cooler in some chassis—though active cooling is recommended for sustained workloads.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The Core i3-7340's design philosophy is clear: prioritize single-thread performance over multi-thread throughput. The 4.20 GHz base clock is exceptionally high for a dual-core processor, and without a boost clock, this frequency is available at all times. This makes the chip particularly responsive in applications that are not heavily parallelized, such as older games, web browsing, office productivity, and light content creation.
In multi-threaded scenarios, the two cores and four threads are a limitation. Modern software increasingly scales across many cores, and the i3-7340 will fall behind processors with four or more physical cores in tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation. The 50th percentile rank reflects this trade-off: it matches the median CPU in single-threaded tests but likely lags in multi-threaded benchmarks. However, for users whose workloads are dominated by single-thread performance—such as legacy software or lightly threaded games—the high clock speed can deliver snappy, consistent results.
The 4 MB shared L3 cache is small by modern standards, but it is adequate for a dual-core part and helps reduce latency when switching between threads. The dual-channel memory bus provides 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth, which is sufficient to feed the two cores without bottlenecking. Overall, the i3-7340 is best suited for a system where the user values low latency and high clock speed over core count.
FAQ
Q: Does the Intel Core i3-7340 have integrated graphics?
A: Yes, it includes Intel HD 630 graphics, which can handle basic display output and light multimedia tasks without a discrete GPU.
Q: What socket does this processor use?
A: It uses the Intel Socket 1151, which is compatible with many 100-series and 200-series motherboards.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, so the processor cannot be overclocked. The base clock is fixed at 4.20 GHz.
Q: What memory types are supported?
A: It supports DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: When was the Core i3-7340 released?
A: It was released in July 2017, as part of the Kaby Lake generation.
Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?
A: It provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, which can be used for a graphics card or other expansion devices.
How It Compares
The data does not include specific rival names or performance deltas, so a direct comparison to other models is not possible from the FACT PACK. However, the 50th percentile rank offers a broad frame of reference. Among all CPUs in the database, the i3-7340 sits exactly at the median, meaning half of all processors are faster and half are slower. This is a remarkable position for a dual-core part, underscoring the impact of its 4.20 GHz clock speed.
Against modern multi-core processors, the i3-7340 will likely lose in multi-threaded benchmarks due to its two-core design. Yet in single-threaded tasks, its high frequency can match or exceed many higher-core-count chips that rely on boost clocks. The lack of a boost clock is a double-edged sword: it guarantees consistent performance but caps peak throughput.
For users upgrading from older dual-core CPUs, the i3-7340 offers a significant clock-speed jump and modern architecture benefits like 14 nm process efficiency and DDR4 support. Compared to newer budget quad-cores, it will trade multi-thread capability for single-thread responsiveness. The 50th percentile placement suggests it is a balanced choice for mainstream desktop use, but not a performance standout.
The processor's 51 W TDP and 14 nm node make it an efficient option for small form-factor builds. Its integrated HD 630 graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU in basic systems, further reducing cost and power draw. Overall, the Core i3-7340 is a niche part that appeals to users who prioritize high clock speeds and low power consumption over raw multi-threaded muscle.
Detailed benchmark scores and charts for the Intel Core i3-7340 are below.
Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
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