Core i3-8350K vs Core i7-980
Core i3-8350K
Core i7-980
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 i3-8350K is positioned at rank 629 and the Core i7-980 is on rank 966, so the Core i3-8350K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8350K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-980
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8350K | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Gulftown (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8350K | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+398%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
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 i3-8350K and Core i7-980
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 i7-980
The Core i7-980 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Gulftown (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,890 points. Launch price was $1,109.
Processing Power
The Core i3-8350K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-980 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-980 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i3-8350K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-980 — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-8350K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i3-8350K uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-980 uses Gulftown (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8350K scores 6,911 against the Core i7-980's 6,890 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-8350K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-8350K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-980.
| Feature | Core i3-8350K | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 4 GHz+11% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+20% | 3.33 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Gulftown (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 6,911 | 6,890 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-8350K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-980 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-8350K | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1366 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-8350K launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i7-980 debuted at $583. At current prices ($250 vs $50), the Core i7-980 is $200 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8350K delivers 27.6 pts/$ vs 137.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-980 — making the Core i7-980 the 133.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-8350K | Core i7-980 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-57% | $583 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $250 | $50-80% |
| Performance per Dollar | 27.6 | 137.8+399% |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2011 |
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