Core i5-8350U vs Core i7-3770S

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 i5-8350U vs Core i7-3770S 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 i5-8350U vs Core i7-3770S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-8350U

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,102 vs 6,173).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770S.

Core i7-3770S

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-8350U needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i5-8350U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while Core i5-8350U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770S better than Core i5-8350U?

Yes. Core i7-3770S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.4% 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 i7-3770S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-3770S is the better buy right now. Core i7-3770S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-8350U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8350U vs Core i7-3770S Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-8350U

The Core i5-8350U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,102 points. Launch price was $297.

Core i7-3770S

The Core i7-3770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-8350U and Core i7-3770S share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-8350U versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-8350U uses the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3770S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8350U scores 6,102 against the Core i7-3770S's 6,173 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3770S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-8350U vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S.

Feature	Core i5-8350U	Core i7-3770S
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.9 GHz+8%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	3.1 GHz+82%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,102	6,173+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	4,500
Geekbench 6 Single	—	694
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,303

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8350U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3770S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-8350U	Core i7-3770S
Socket	BGA1356	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-8350U) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3770S). The Core i7-3770S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-8350U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3770S targets Budget.