CPU Comparison
Intel Core 3 201E
Core i7-8700K
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: Intel Core 3 201E vs Intel Core i7-8700K
The Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core 3 201E are separated by nearly a decade of silicon evolution, yet the benchmark data reveals a more nuanced rivalry than a simple generational wipeout. The Core 3 201E wins the majority of head-to-head tests, taking 13 of 17, while the i7-8700K secures 4 decisive victories in specific workloads. However, the overall average benchmark scores are remarkably close, with the i7-8700K at 19238 and the Core 3 201E at 19056, a difference of less than 1%. Both chips sit at the 73rd percentile among all CPUs, indicating they occupy a similar performance tier despite their architectural differences. The verdict is clear: users prioritizing raw multi-threaded rendering and modern efficiency should choose the Core 3 201E, while those with legacy software that leverages specific instruction sets or heavy data compression workloads will find the i7-8700K remains highly capable.
The Verdict
The data points to the Intel Core 3 201E as the default recommendation for most current builds. It wins the Cinebench suite across the board, including a 12,613 score in Cinebench R23 multi-core versus 11,527 for the i7-8700K, an 8.6% advantage. Its single-thread performance is similarly dominant, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1,780 versus 1,627, and a Passmark single-thread score of 3,482 versus 2,720, a 21.9% lead. For users running modern applications that favor high clock speeds and IPC, the Core 3 201E is the stronger pick.
The i7-8700K, despite being end-of-life, is not obsolete. It wins Passmark data compression by 21.2% (198,951 vs 164,160) and extended instructions by 22.5% (13,514 vs 11,035). It also edges out the Core 3 in integer math (45,892 vs 43,894) and random string sorting (25,270 vs 17,783, a 42.1% blowout). This makes it a compelling choice for users with specific workloads like server-side data handling or legacy scientific computing that rely on those instruction paths. The i7-8700K also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the Core 3 201E is locked, though the latter's higher stock boost clock of 4.80 GHz already exceeds the i7's 4.70 GHz.
Where Each One Wins
The Core 3 201E is the clear winner in rendering and physics simulations. Its Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 1,271 beats the i7-8700K's 1,161, and its Passmark physics score of 1,141 crushes the i7's 811 by 28.9%. This indicates stronger floating-point throughput and better multi-threaded scaling, likely due to its newer architecture and faster memory bandwidth (76.8 GB/s vs 42.7 GB/s). The Core 3 also dominates encryption workloads, scoring 8,931 in Passmark data encryption versus 4,776 for the i7, a 46.5% lead, making it the superior choice for disk encryption or secure communications tasks.
The i7-8700K wins where the data suggests it has specialized strengths. Its Passmark data compression score of 198,951 versus 164,160 shows it handles zip-style workloads more efficiently. The 42.1% lead in random string sorting (25,270 vs 17,783) points to a distinct advantage in database-style operations or text processing. Additionally, the i7's 4.6% edge in integer math (45,892 vs 43,894) gives it a small nod in general arithmetic-heavy applications. These wins are narrower in some cases but substantial in compression and sorting, indicating the i7-8700K's older architecture retains specific optimization advantages.
Architecture Differences
The two processors represent divergent design philosophies. The i7-8700K uses Intel's 14 nm process with a die size of 154 mm², while the Core 3 201E is built on a 10 nm process with a 163 mm² die. The newer chip packs 4 cores and 8 threads, whereas the i7-8700K offers 6 cores and 12 threads. Despite having fewer cores, the Core 3 achieves higher benchmark scores, which the data attributes to its superior per-core performance and higher boost clock (4.80 GHz vs 4.70 GHz).
Cache configurations differ significantly. The i7-8700K has 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core, with 12 MB shared L3. The Core 3 201E has 80 KB L1 and a massive 1.25 MB L2 per core, also with 12 MB shared L3. The larger L2 cache on the Core 3 likely contributes to its single-thread dominance, as more data can be stored closer to the core. Memory support also diverges: the i7-8700K is limited to DDR4 with dual-channel memory, while the Core 3 supports both DDR4 and DDR5, offering double the memory bandwidth at 76.8 GB/s versus 42.7 GB/s.
Other key differences include PCIe generation and integrated graphics. The i7-8700K has PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the Core 3 offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, enabling faster connectivity for modern GPUs and NVMe drives. The i7-8700K ships with UHD Graphics 630, and the Core 3 includes UHD Graphics 730. The Core 3 also supports ECC memory, a feature absent on the i7-8700K, making it more suitable for entry-level workstations. The i7-8700K uses an older Socket 1151, while the Core 3 requires Socket 1700, and its TDP is lower at 60 watts versus 95 watts, indicating better energy efficiency.
FAQ
Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core rendering?
A: The Intel Core 3 201E wins all Cinebench multi-core tests, scoring 12,613 in Cinebench R23 versus 11,527 for the i7-8700K, an 8.6% advantage. It also wins Passmark multi-thread (14,839 vs 13,576).
Q: Does the i7-8700K have any significant wins?
A: Yes, it wins Passmark data compression by 21.2% (198,951 vs 164,160) and random string sorting by 42.1% (25,270 vs 17,783). It also leads in extended instructions (13,514 vs 11,035) and integer math (45,892 vs 43,894).
Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?
A: The Core 3 201E leads by 8.6% in Cinebench R23 single-core (1,780 vs 1,627) and by 21.9% in Passmark single-thread (3,482 vs 2,720). The i7-8700K's boost clock is 4.70 GHz, while the Core 3 boosts to 4.80 GHz.
Q: Can the i7-8700K be overclocked?
A: Yes, the i7-8700K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Core 3 201E has a locked multiplier, preventing overclocking.
Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?
A: Only the Intel Core 3 201E supports ECC memory. The i7-8700K does not.
Q: How do their overall benchmark averages compare?
A: The i7-8700K has an average benchmark score of 19,238, and the Core 3 201E scores 19,056, a difference of 0.9%. Both are at the 73rd percentile of all CPUs.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The largest win for the Core 3 201E comes in Passmark data encryption, where it scores 8,931 versus the i7-8700K's 4,776, a 46.5% margin. This is followed by a 28.9% lead in Passmark physics (1,141 vs 811) and a 21.9% lead in single-thread performance (3,482 vs 2,720). The Core 3 also wins floating-point math by 14.2% (33,260 vs 28,538) and find prime numbers by 31.6% (57 vs 39). In the Cinebench suite, the Core 3 wins every test by a consistent 8.6-8.9%, including R15 multi-core (1,271 vs 1,161), R15 single-core (179 vs 163), R20 multi-core (5,297 vs 4,841), R20 single-core (747 vs 683), and R23 multi-core (12,613 vs 11,527).
The i7-8700K's biggest win is in Passmark random string sorting, where it scores 25,270 against 17,783, a 42.1% advantage. It also wins extended instructions by 22.5% (13,514 vs 11,035) and data compression by 21.2% (198,951 vs 164,160). Its narrowest win is in integer math, where it scores 45,892 versus 43,894, just a 4.6% margin. Despite losing the overall head-to-head count 4 to 13, the i7-8700K's wins are often large in magnitude, suggesting its architecture is specialized for certain tasks. The data shows a clear trade-off: the Core 3 201E is a more balanced, modern processor, while the i7-8700K excels in niche workloads that leverage its specific instruction handling and compression algorithms.