Core i7-3770 vs FX-9370

Intel

Core i7-3770

4 Cores8 Thrd0 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-9370

8 Cores8 Thrd220 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i7-3770 vs FX-9370 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 i7-3770 vs FX-9370 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 FX-9370: 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

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9370 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.8 vs 151.8 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).

FX-9370

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +18.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $252 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Delivers 595.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 151.8 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (6,374 vs 6,419).

Quick Answers

So, is FX-9370 better than Core i7-3770?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-9370 is ahead with a 18.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-9370 is the better buy right now. FX-9370 comes in $252 cheaper on MSRP at $42 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-3770 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 595.1% better value on MSRP (151.8 vs 21.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
FX-9370 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3770 vs FX-9370 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

FX-9370

The FX-9370 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 July 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 220 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,374 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3770 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-9370 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-9370 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770 versus 4.7 GHz on the FX-9370 — a 18.6% clock advantage for the FX-9370 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The Core i7-3770 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-9370 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770 scores 6,419 against the FX-9370's 6,374 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3770.

FeatureCore i7-3770FX-9370
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
4.7 GHz+21%
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
4.4 GHz+29%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark
6,419
6,374
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-9370 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3770FX-9370
Socket
LGA1155
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770 was priced at $294, while the FX-9370 came in at $42. On launch pricing ($294 vs $42), FX-9370 was $252 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770 delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 151.8 pts/$ for the FX-9370 — making the FX-9370 the 149.7% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3770FX-9370
MSRP
$294
$42-86%
Performance per Dollar
21.8
151.8+596%
Release Date
2012
2013

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