Core i3-7350K vs Core i5-7442EQ

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-7350K vs Core i5-7442EQ FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-7350K vs Core i5-7442EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-7350K

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $71 less on MSRP ($179 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.3 vs 19.3 PassMark/$ ($179 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌140% higher power demand at 60W vs 25W.

Core i5-7442EQ

2017

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 60W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-7350K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,387 vs 2,740).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.3 vs 27.3 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7350K better than Core i5-7442EQ?

Yes. Core i3-7350K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 14.8% better Geekbench multi-core, and 1.1% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-7350K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7350K is the stronger fit. You are getting 14.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-7350K is the better buy right now. Core i3-7350K comes in $71 cheaper on MSRP at $179 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 41.2% better value on MSRP (27.3 vs 19.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-7442EQ is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-7350K vs Core i5-7442EQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-7350K

The Core i3-7350K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,886 points. Launch price was $179.

Core i5-7442EQ

The Core i5-7442EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,834 points. Launch price was $250.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7350K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-7442EQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-7442EQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i5-7442EQ — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K. Both are built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-7350K scores 4,886 against the Core i5-7442EQ's 4,834 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-7350K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,298 vs 728, a 56.3% lead for the Core i3-7350K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,740 vs 2,387 (13.8% advantage for the Core i3-7350K). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K vs 6 MB on the Core i5-7442EQ.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i5-7442EQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+100%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	4.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,886+1%	4,834
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,100	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,298+78%	728
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,740+15%	2,387

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Memory & Platform

Both support up to DDR4-2400 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z270,Intel Z170,Intel H270,Intel B250,Intel Q270,Intel Q250 (Core i3-7350K) and QM175,HM175,CM238 (Core i5-7442EQ).

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i5-7442EQ
Socket	LGA1151	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-7350K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7442EQ). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7350K) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7442EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7442EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i5-7442EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7350K was priced at $179, while the Core i5-7442EQ came in at $250. On launch pricing ($179 vs $250), Core i3-7350K was $71 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7350K delivers 27.3 pts/$ vs 19.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-7442EQ — making the Core i3-7350K the 34.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i5-7442EQ
MSRP	$179-28%	$250
Performance per Dollar	27.3+41%	19.3
Release Date	2017	2017

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