Core i3-9350K vs Core i3-9350KF

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 i3-9350K vs Core i3-9350KF 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 i3-9350K vs Core i3-9350KF: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9350K

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9350KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,596 vs 7,602).
❌
6.4% HIGHER MSRP
$184 MSRPvs$173 MSRP

Core i3-9350KF

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $11 less on MSRP ($173 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9350KF better than Core i3-9350K?

Yes. Core i3-9350KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, 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 i3-9350KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.6% 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 i3-9350KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9350KF is the better buy right now. Core i3-9350KF comes in $11 cheaper on MSRP at $173 MSRP versus $184 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 6.4% better value on MSRP (43.9 vs 41.3 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9350KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9350K vs Core i3-9350KF Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9350K

The Core i3-9350K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 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 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 7,596 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i3-9350KF

The Core i3-9350KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2019 (6 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 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 7,602 points. Launch price was $173.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9350K and Core i3-9350KF share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i3-9350K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i3-9350KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 4 GHz vs 4 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-9350K scores 7,596 against the Core i3-9350KF's 7,602 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-9350KF. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Core i3-9350KF
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz	4.6 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz	4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	7,596	7,602

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Core i3-9350KF
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9350K was priced at $184, while the Core i3-9350KF came in at $173. On launch pricing ($184 vs $173), Core i3-9350KF was $11 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9350K delivers 41.3 pts/$ vs 43.9 pts/$ for the Core i3-9350KF — making the Core i3-9350KF the 6.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Core i3-9350KF
MSRP	$184	$173-6%
Performance per Dollar	41.3	43.9+6%
Release Date	2019	2019

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