Core i3-7350K
Ryzen 5 3600
Core i3-7350K vs Ryzen 5 3600 Performance Spectrum
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.
Core i3-7350K vs Ryzen 5 3600 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.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Among Us
Apex Legends
ARC Raiders
Baldur's Gate 3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Core i3-7350K vs Ryzen 5 3600: 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
2017Why buy it
- ✅Costs $20 less on MSRP ($179 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
- ✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Ryzen 5 3600 needs a discrete GPU.
Trade-offs
- ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 3600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (3,100 vs 9,500).
- ❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 32 MB).
- ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 27.3 vs 88.9 PassMark/$ ($179 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).
- ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Ryzen 5 3600.
Ryzen 5 3600
2019Why buy it
- ✅Better for gaming: +107.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
- ✅+700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
- ✅Delivers 225.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 88.9 vs 27.3 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $179 MSRP).
- ✅50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
- ✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-7350K.
Trade-offs
- ❌11.2% HIGHER MSRP$199 MSRPvs$179 MSRP
- ❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7350K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
Quick Answers
So, is Ryzen 5 3600 better than Core i3-7350K?
Which one is better for gaming?
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-7350K vs Ryzen 5 3600 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.
Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Core i3-7350K packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i3-7350K versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — identical boost frequencies (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-7350K uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7350K scores 4,886 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 113.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,100 vs 9,500 (101.6% advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,298 vs 1,295, a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-7350K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,740 vs 1,898 (36.3% advantage for the Core i3-7350K). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7350K vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 6 / 12+200% |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+17% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+700% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-50% |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 4,886 | 17,685+262% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,100 | 9,500+206% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,298 | 1,295 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,740+44% | 1,898 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-7350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7350K versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Ryzen 5 3600 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-7350K) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 8 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 B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-3200+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | Yes | No |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 24+50% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i3-7350K) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). The Core i3-7350K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 5 3600 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Gaming/Budget Workstation |
Value Analysis
At launch, the Core i3-7350K was priced at $179, while the Ryzen 5 3600 came in at $199. On launch pricing ($179 vs $199), Core i3-7350K was $20 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7350K delivers 27.3 pts/$ vs 88.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 3600 — making the Ryzen 5 3600 the 106% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-7350K | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $179-10% | $199 |
| Performance per Dollar | 27.3 | 88.9+226% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2019 |
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