Core i3-9350K vs Core i3-9350KF
Core i3-9350K
Core i3-9350KF
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9350K
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9350KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9350K | Core i3-9350KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9350K | Core i3-9350KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+88%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($80) |
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 i3-9350K and Core i3-9350KF
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.
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 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-9350K launched at $184 MSRP, while the Core i3-9350KF debuted at $173. At current prices ($150 vs $80), the Core i3-9350KF is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9350K delivers 50.6 pts/$ vs 95.0 pts/$ for the Core i3-9350KF — making the Core i3-9350KF the 60.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9350K | Core i3-9350KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $184 | $173-6% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $80-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.6 | 95.0+88% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i3-9350K and Core i3-9350KF
