CPU Comparison
Core i7-7700K vs Intel Core i3-8350K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7700K is a high-performance desktop processor launched in January 2017, representing the flagship of the Kaby Lake mainstream lineup. Built on the 14nm+ process, this quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, delivering 8 concurrent threads. It operates at an aggressive base clock of 4.2 GHz and boosts up to 4.5 GHz out of the box, providing exceptional single-threaded performance. The K suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for overclocking, often pushing beyond 5.0 GHz with adequate cooling. With a 91W TDP, it demands robust cooling, especially since it uses thermal paste instead of solder between the die and IHS, a point of criticism among the community. It features 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 offers basic display capabilities, though its primary market is gamers relying on discrete GPUs. The i7-7700K marked the pinnacle of Intel's quad-core dominance before market pressures forced a core count increase.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Overclocking does not add threads. For heavily threaded productivity work, a stock 6-core CPU will easily beat an overclocked 4-core i3.
Gaming
At stock speeds, it is comparable to other 8th-gen i3s. When overclocked to 5.0 GHz+, it can match stock i5s in eSports titles, but the lack of threads hurts in modern AAA games.
Virtualization
4 threads is a hard limit for virtualization, regardless of how fast those threads run.
Efficiency
Terrible efficiency. Pushing 1.3V+ through 14nm silicon to hit 5.0 GHz results in massive power draw and heat.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI acceleration
- High clock speed cannot compensate for lack of AI instructions
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Requires heavy overclocking to be relevant
- High clock speeds benefit older eSports titles
- 4 cores/4 threads is a severe limitation for modern AAA gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Easily hits 5.0 GHz with AIO cooling
- Great for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Uses thermal paste instead of solder (runs hot)
- High power draw when overclocked
- LGA 1151 is a dead platform
Pros
- First unlocked i3, historic significance
- Massive overclocking headroom (5.0 GHz+ on air)
- 8MB L3 cache aids high-frequency stability
- Fun project chip for hardware enthusiasts
- High stock clock of 4.0 GHz
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading (4 cores, 4 threads only)
- Requires expensive Z-series motherboard
- Terrible power efficiency when overclocked
- Outperformed by cheaper locked 6-core CPUs
- Obsolete LGA 1151 v2 platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-7700K
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Performance Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Performance Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700KRival
Performance Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7600KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Performance Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Alt
Locked version with lower TDP if overclocking isn't needed.
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Alt
More cores for multi-threaded workloads at a similar price.
Next-gen upgrade with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much newer architecture with better IPC and efficiency.
Intel Core i3-8350K
- AMD Ryzen 3 1300XRival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8400Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- Intel Core i3-8350KRival
Budget Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Offers 12 threads and modern platform features, destroying the 8350K in productivity and gaming for less total cost.
If you want to overclock on LGA 1151 v2, this gives you 6 cores to play with.
Compare head-to-headA modern budget king that doesn't need an expensive motherboard to perform well.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Alt
Offers 8 threads and PCIe 4.0 on a budget platform, making the 8350K obsolete.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary overclocker that delivered top-tier single-core performance in 2017, but its 4-core limit shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Z270 system cheaply
Read the full reviewA fun overclocking toy in 2017, but the lack of Hyper-Threading and a high 91W TDP make it a poor value compared to even cheap modern chips.
Best for: You should avoid buying the Intel Core i3-8350K unless you are a dedicated overclocking hobbyist looking for a cheap project chip to practice manual tuning, delidding, or extreme cooling on. If you fall into that niche, buying a used 8350K for $20 and pushing it to 5.0 GHz can be incredibly fun and educational. However, for any practical use case—gaming, work, or productivity—this chip is a poor investment. It requires an expensive Z370 or Z390 motherboard to utilize its only feature (overclocking), yet a locked Ryzen 5 3600 on a cheap B450 board will destroy it in every multi-threaded benchmark while using less power. The lack of Hyper-Threading is a fatal flaw that no amount of frequency can fix. Spend your money on modern hardware.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7700K or Intel Core i3-8350K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-7700K comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-7700K or Intel Core i3-8350K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-8350K leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-7700K and Intel Core i3-8350K.
Do Core i7-7700K and Intel Core i3-8350K use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-7700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7700K (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.