Core i3-9350K vs Core i5-1034G1

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 i5-1034G1 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 i5-1034G1: 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

✅Better for gaming: +6.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Core i5-1034G1 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌4450% higher power demand at 91W vs 2W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1034G1 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-1034G1

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 91W, a 89W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics G1, while Core i3-9350K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-9350K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (7,550 vs 7,596).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9350K better than Core i5-1034G1?

Yes. Core i3-9350K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-9350K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.9% 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 i3-9350K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9350K is the better buy right now. Core i3-9350K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $184 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (41.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1034G1 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-9350K vs Core i5-1034G1 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 i5-1034G1

The Core i5-1034G1 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 May 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake U (2019−2020) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 10 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB + 6 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 7,550 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9350K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i5-1034G1's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i3-9350K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-1034G1 — a 24.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-9350K (base: 4 GHz vs 0.8 GHz). The Core i3-9350K uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-1034G1 uses Ice Lake U (2019−2020) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9350K scores 7,596 against the Core i5-1034G1's 7,550 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i3-9350K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9350K vs 6 MB on the Core i5-1034G1.

Feature	Core i3-9350K	Core i5-1034G1
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.6 GHz+28%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+400%	0.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Ice Lake U (2019−2020)
PassMark	7,596	7,550
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,475

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-9350K) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-1034G1). The Core i5-1034G1 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics G1), while the Core i3-9350K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1034G1 targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-1034G1 rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.