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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-3770K is positioned at rank #802 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3770K

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

15936%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

15058%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

10934%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3294%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2609%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2282%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1307%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1290%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1175%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1175%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1162%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1130%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1114%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1110%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1100%

#802

Core i7-3770K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $75

100%

#803

Core i5-4460T

MSRP: $187|Avg: $30

100%

#804

Core i3-3220

MSRP: $117|Avg: $88

99%

#805

Core i7-3770T

MSRP: $278|Avg: $105

99%

#807

Pentium G620

MSRP: $64|Avg: $12

99%

#808

Pentium G645T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

99%

#809

Core i5-7442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $50

99%

#812

Core i3-3250T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

98%

#813

Core i5-5575R

MSRP: $265|Avg: $50

98%

#815

Core i3-3210

MSRP: $117|Avg: $25

97%

#816

Celeron G3900E

MSRP: $107|Avg: $35

97%

#817

Athlon II X3 435

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-3770K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-3770K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-3770K is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,495, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-3770K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,495

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770K fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-3770K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-3770K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 77 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-3770K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	77 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	67 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $75 (MSRP: $332), the Core i7-3770K delivers 87 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #802 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1653 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-3770K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$332
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$75
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$294
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#802
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1653
Release DateLaunch date	29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel