Core i3-7350K vs FX-8320E
Core i3-7350K
FX-8320E
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-7350K is positioned at rank 636 and the FX-8320E is on rank 555, so the FX-8320E offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7350K
Performance Per Dollar FX-8320E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-7350K | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($45) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-7350K | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+31%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($45) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-7350K and FX-8320E
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.
FX-8320E
The FX-8320E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,960 points. Launch price was $147.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7350K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8320E offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8320E has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K versus 4 GHz on the FX-8320E — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-7350K (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-7350K uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8320E uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7350K scores 4,886 against the FX-8320E's 4,960 — a 1.5% lead for the FX-8320E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,298 vs 439, a 98.9% lead for the Core i3-7350K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,740 vs 1,734 (45% advantage for the Core i3-7350K).
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 8 / 8+300% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz+5% | 4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+31% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 4,886 | 4,960+2% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,100 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,298+196% | 439 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,740+58% | 1,734 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8320E uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7350K versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8320E — the Core i3-7350K supports 28.6% 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 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7350K) vs 0 (FX-8320E) — the Core i3-7350K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel Z270,Intel Z170,Intel H270,Intel B250,Intel Q270,Intel Q250 (Core i3-7350K) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8320E).
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i3-7350K) vs AMD-V (FX-8320E). The Core i3-7350K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the FX-8320E requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-7350K launched at $179 MSRP, while the FX-8320E debuted at $147. At current prices ($45 vs $60), the Core i3-7350K is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7350K delivers 108.6 pts/$ vs 82.7 pts/$ for the FX-8320E — making the Core i3-7350K the 27.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | FX-8320E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179 | $147-18% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $45-25% | $60 |
| Performance per Dollar | 108.6+31% | 82.7 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2014 |
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