Core i7-3770 vs Core i7-3770K

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 i7-3770 vs Core i7-3770K 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 i7-3770 vs Core i7-3770K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3770

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $38 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).
✅Delivers 11.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.8 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $332 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,419 vs 6,495).

Core i7-3770K

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($332 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770K better than Core i7-3770?

Yes. Core i7-3770K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% 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 i7-3770K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% 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 i7-3770K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3770K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3770K comes in 12.9% more expensive on MSRP at $332 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3770 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 11.6% better value on paper (21.8 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-3770K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3770 vs Core i7-3770K Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3770

The Core i7-3770 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,419 points. Launch price was $294.

Core i7-3770K

The Core i7-3770K 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,495 points. Launch price was $294.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770 and Core i7-3770K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770 versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3770 scores 6,419 against the Core i7-3770K's 6,495 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3770K. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3770	Core i7-3770K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.5 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	6,419	6,495+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-3770	Core i7-3770K
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-3770K came in at $332. On launch pricing ($294 vs $332), Core i7-3770 was $38 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770 delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3770K — making the Core i7-3770 the 11% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770	Core i7-3770K
MSRP	$294-11%	$332
Performance per Dollar	21.8+11%	19.6
Release Date	2012	2012

Search Core i7-3770 on Amazon

Search Core i7-3770K on Amazon

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.