CPU Comparison
Core i7-7740X vs Intel Core i3-8350K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7740X is a unique high-end desktop (HEDT) processor launched in June 2017. Based on the Kaby Lake-X architecture, it is essentially a mainstream quad-core die repurposed for the enthusiast LGA 2066 socket. Featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, it operates at a high base frequency of 4.3 GHz and boosts up to 4.6 GHz, catering specifically to users seeking maximum single-threaded performance. The X suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, allowing for further overclocking. With a 112W TDP, it demands robust cooling. Notably, it lacks integrated graphics and does not support quad-channel memory, differentiating it from true HEDT Skylake-X parts. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory. The i7-7740X was a controversial product, offering little practical benefit over the cheaper LGA 1151 i7-7700K, but it allowed enthusiasts to access high clock speeds on the X299 platform, albeit with a limited feature set.
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
- High single-core frequencies
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Access to X299 chipset features
Cons
- Only 4 cores on an HEDT platform
- Limited to dual-channel memory
- No integrated graphics
- Poor value compared to true HEDT or mainstream parts
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 i7-7740X
- Intel Core i7-7700KRival
Performance Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7800XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Intel Core i5-7640XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Performance Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Alt
More cores and better multi-threading for less money.
Actual high-end HEDT performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Threadripper 1900XAlt
Better HEDT platform features and core count.
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
An oddity in Intel's lineup, offering high clocks but limited core count and features for the HEDT platform. Hard to recommend over mainstream alternatives.
Best for: Niche collection or specific legacy X299 troubleshooting
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 i7-7740X or Intel Core i3-8350K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-7740X comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. 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 i7-7740X or Intel Core i3-8350K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-8350K leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-7740X and Intel Core i3-8350K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-8350K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-7740X (112 W), Intel Core i3-8350K (91 W).
Do Core i7-7740X and Intel Core i3-8350K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-7740X: LGA 2066, Intel Core i3-8350K: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-7740X posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7740X (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.