Core i3-8350K vs Core i7-4790S

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 i3-8350K vs Core i7-4790S 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 i3-8350K vs Core i7-4790S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8350K

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $62 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $312 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.6 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $312 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,911 vs 6,973).
❌40% higher power demand at 91W vs 65W.

Core i7-4790S

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 65W instead of 91W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 22.3 vs 27.6 PassMark/$ ($312 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790S better than Core i3-8350K?

Yes. Core i7-4790S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4790S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.7% 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 i7-4790S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790S is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4790S comes in 24.8% more expensive on MSRP at $312 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-8350K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 23.7% better value on paper (27.6 vs 22.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i3-8350K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8350K vs Core i7-4790S Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8350K

The Core i3-8350K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,911 points. Launch price was $168.

Core i7-4790S

The Core i7-4790S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,973 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8350K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4790S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-8350K versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-4790S — identical boost frequencies (base: 4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-8350K uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4790S uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8350K scores 6,911 against the Core i7-4790S's 6,973 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-4790S. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Core i7-4790S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+25%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	6,911	6,973

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4790S uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Core i7-4790S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8350K was priced at $250, while the Core i7-4790S came in at $312. On launch pricing ($250 vs $312), Core i3-8350K was $62 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8350K delivers 27.6 pts/$ vs 22.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4790S — making the Core i3-8350K the 21.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8350K	Core i7-4790S
MSRP	$250-20%	$312
Performance per Dollar	27.6+24%	22.3
Release Date	2017	2014

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