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 i7-3612QE 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 i7-3612QE: 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

✅+102.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $247 less on MSRP ($179 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Delivers 135.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.3 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($179 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌71.4% higher power demand at 60W vs 35W.

Core i7-3612QE

2012

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (640 vs 1,298).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,200 vs 2,740).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.6 vs 27.3 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7350K better than Core i7-3612QE?

Yes. Core i3-7350K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 24.5% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 0.9% 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 24.5% 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 $247 cheaper on MSRP at $179 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 135.9% better value on MSRP (27.3 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7350K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7350K vs Core i7-3612QE 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 i7-3612QE

The Core i7-3612QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7350K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3612QE offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-3612QE has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE — a 30.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i3-7350K uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3612QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7350K scores 4,886 against the Core i7-3612QE's 4,929 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-3612QE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,298 vs 640, a 67.9% lead for the Core i3-7350K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,740 vs 2,200 (21.9% advantage for the Core i3-7350K). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i7-3612QE
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+35%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	4.2 GHz+100%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,886	4,929
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,100	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,298+103%	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,740+25%	2,200

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7350K versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3612QE — the Core i3-7350K supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7350K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. 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 HM76,QM77 (Core i7-3612QE).

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i7-3612QE
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-7350K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7350K) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i7-3612QE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Industrial/Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7350K was priced at $179, while the Core i7-3612QE came in at $426. On launch pricing ($179 vs $426), Core i3-7350K was $247 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7350K delivers 27.3 pts/$ vs 11.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QE — making the Core i3-7350K the 80.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7350K	Core i7-3612QE
MSRP	$179-58%	$426
Performance per Dollar	27.3+135%	11.6
Release Date	2017	2012

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