Core i3-9350K vs Core i7-7700T

Intel

Core i3-9350K

4 Cores4 Thrd91 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2019
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-7700T

4 Cores8 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2017
Similar parts
·······

Core i3-9350K vs Core i7-7700T Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-9350K vs Core i7-7700T 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 i7-7700T: 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

  • Costs $119 less on MSRP ($184 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
  • Delivers 66.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 41.3 vs 24.8 PassMark/$ ($184 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 160% higher power demand at 91W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-7700T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-7700T

2017

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Draws 35W instead of 91W, a 56W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Core i3-9350K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (7,517 vs 7,596).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.8 vs 41.3 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $184 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9350K better than Core i7-7700T?
Yes. Core i3-9350K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% 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 i3-9350K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 1.1% 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 $119 cheaper on MSRP at $184 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 66.4% better value on MSRP (41.3 vs 24.8 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9350K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-9350K vs Core i7-7700T Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-7700T

The Core i7-7700T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,517 points. Launch price was $303.

Processing Power

The Core i3-9350K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-7700T's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i3-9350K versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-7700T — a 19% clock advantage for the Core i3-9350K (base: 4 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i3-9350K uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-7700T uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9350K scores 7,596 against the Core i7-7700T's 7,517 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-9350K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9350K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700T.

FeatureCore i3-9350KCore i7-7700T
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+21%
3.8 GHz
Base Clock
4 GHz+38%
2.9 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
7,596+1%
7,517
Cinebench R23 Multi
5,605
Geekbench 6 Single
1,066
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,643
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

FeatureCore i3-9350KCore i7-7700T
Socket
LGA1151
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-9350K) / Yes (Core i7-7700T). The Core i7-7700T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i3-9350K requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i3-9350KCore i7-7700T
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 630
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
Yes
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9350K was priced at $184, while the Core i7-7700T came in at $303. On launch pricing ($184 vs $303), Core i3-9350K was $119 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9350K delivers 41.3 pts/$ vs 24.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-7700T — making the Core i3-9350K the 49.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-9350KCore i7-7700T
MSRP
$184-39%
$303
Performance per Dollar
41.3+67%
24.8
Release Date
2019
2017

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.