Intel Core i3-7320 vs Intel Core i7-8665UE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is remarkably consistent across every Cinebench test: the Intel Core i7-8665UE wins all six recorded comparisons. The margins are narrow, with the largest advantage being 1.8% in Cinebench R15 single-core, while the remaining five tests show a 1.7% delta. This is not a dramatic victory, but it is a clean sweep.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-8665UE scores 415 against 408 for the i3-7320, a 1.7% lead. The single-core R15 result shows 58 versus 57, a 1.8% edge. Moving to Cinebench R20, the i7-8665UE posts 1732 multi-core and 244 single-core, while the i3-7320 manages 1703 and 240 respectively. The R23 run continues the pattern: 4124 versus 4057 multi-core and 582 versus 572 single-core, both with a 1.7% delta.

What stands out is the consistency of the advantage. The i7-8665UE leads by nearly the same percentage in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, which suggests a structural edge rather than a workload-specific strength. The i3-7320, despite having a much higher base clock, cannot overcome the i7-8665UE's advantage in core count and thread count. The data shows six wins for the i7-8665UE and zero for the i3-7320.

The average benchmark score reinforces this picture. The i7-8665UE carries an average score of 1193, while the i3-7320 sits at 1173. This places both processors at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs in the database, meaning they perform at a similar level overall, but the i7-8665UE consistently lands slightly ahead in every measured metric. The i3-7320's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-3635QM at 1170 (0.3% behind) and the Intel Core i5-3550 at 1178 (0.4% ahead), showing it sits in a crowded performance band.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel architectural generations and target different market segments, which explains the performance split. The i7-8665UE is built on Whiskey Lake, specifically the Whiskey Lake-U variant, and belongs to the Core i7 generation. It is a mobile part, released in late 2018, and is now end-of-life. The i3-7320 uses Kaby Lake, belongs to the Core i3 generation, is a desktop processor, and remains an active production part.

The core configuration differs significantly. The i7-8665UE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i3-7320 has only 2 cores and 4 threads. This means the i7-8665UE offers twice the thread count, which directly benefits multi-threaded Cinebench workloads. However, the i3-7320 compensates with a much higher base clock: 4.10 GHz versus 1.70 GHz for the i7-8665UE. The i7-8665UE does have a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, which allows it to exceed the i3-7320's base frequency when thermal headroom permits, but the i3-7320 has no boost clock listed in the database.

The cache hierarchy also differs. The i7-8665UE has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-7320 has 4 MB. Both have identical L1 and L2 cache per core at 64 KB and 256 KB respectively. The larger L3 cache on the i7-8665UE likely helps with data locality and reduces memory latency in complex workloads.

Process technology is identical: both use Intel's 14 nm node from the same foundry. Memory support differs slightly: the i7-8665UE supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the i3-7320 supports only DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory with the same 38.4 GB/s peak bandwidth. Neither supports ECC memory, and both have PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-8665UE ships with UHD Graphics 620, while the i3-7320 uses Intel HD 630. Both are integrated solutions, but the mobile-oriented i7-8665UE is designed to balance power efficiency with graphics capability.

The thermal design power is a major differentiator. The i7-8665UE is rated at 15 W TDP, typical for an ultrabook-class mobile processor. The i3-7320 draws 51 W TDP, reflecting its desktop positioning with a higher sustained power envelope. This explains why the i3-7320 can run its base clock at 4.10 GHz, while the i7-8665UE relies on boost to reach competitive frequencies.

The socket types also reflect their different segments: the i7-8665UE uses Intel BGA 1528, a soldered mobile socket, while the i3-7320 uses Intel Socket 1151, a standard desktop socket. The i7-8665UE carries the part number SRF9W, while the i3-7320 is SR358.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-8665UE wins every benchmark in this comparison, but the nature of the wins matters for real-world use. Its advantage in multi-core tests, though modest at 1.7%, is consistent across all three Cinebench versions. The 4-core, 8-thread configuration gives it a structural advantage in heavily threaded workloads, such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation tasks. The 8 MB L3 cache also helps in data-intensive applications where cache misses would otherwise stall performance.

The i3-7320 does not win any recorded benchmark, but its high base clock of 4.10 GHz means it can deliver strong single-threaded performance without relying on boost behavior. In sustained workloads where the i7-8665UE might hit thermal limits due to its 15 W TDP, the i3-7320's 51 W power budget allows it to maintain high frequencies indefinitely. This makes it suitable for desktop use cases where consistent performance under load matters more than peak scores.

The i7-8665UE is clearly positioned for mobile computing. Its 15 W TDP, BGA socket, and mobile market segment indicate it is designed for thin-and-light laptops where battery life and thermals are primary concerns. The i3-7320, with its desktop socket and 51 W TDP, belongs in traditional desktop towers where power draw is less constrained.

For users who need a laptop processor that can handle moderate multi-threaded work without draining the battery, the i7-8665UE is the better choice. For those building a desktop system where the processor sits under a capable air cooler and power draw is not a concern, the i3-7320 offers a simpler, locked-clock experience with no boost variability.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-8665UE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i3-7320 has 2 cores and 4 threads. This gives the i7-8665UE a 2x thread advantage in multi-threaded workloads.

Q: What is the base clock difference between the two?

A: The i3-7320 has a base clock of 4.10 GHz, while the i7-8665UE has a base clock of 1.70 GHz. However, the i7-8665UE can boost up to 4.40 GHz, which exceeds the i3-7320's base frequency.

Q: How do they compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i7-8665UE scores 4124, while the i3-7320 scores 4057, a 1.7% advantage for the i7-8665UE. This is the largest multi-core margin in the recorded data.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory?

A: No. The i7-8665UE supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the i3-7320 supports only DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The i7-8665UE has a TDP of 15 W, while the i3-7320 has a TDP of 51 W. The i7-8665UE is designed for mobile platforms with limited cooling, while the i3-7320 is a desktop part.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The i7-8665UE has an average score of 1193, compared to 1173 for the i3-7320. Both sit at the 33rd percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i7-8665UE | Intel Core i3-7320 |

|-------|---------------------|---------------------|

| Cores | 4 | 2 |

| Threads | 8 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 1.70 GHz | 4.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.40 GHz | Not listed |

| TDP | 15 W | 51 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1528 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Whiskey Lake | Kaby Lake |

| Codename | Whiskey Lake-U | Kaby Lake |

| Generation | Core i7 (Whiskey Lake) | Core i3 (Kaby Lake) |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 4 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR4 |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 620 | Intel HD 630 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2018-09-30 | 2017-01-02 |

| Launch MSRP | $409 | Not listed |

| Part Number | SRF9W | SR358 |

The Verdict

The data makes the choice straightforward for most scenarios. The i7-8665UE wins all six benchmark comparisons and has a higher average score, more cores, more threads, and a larger L3 cache. Its 15 W TDP makes it suitable for mobile devices, and the 4.40 GHz boost clock ensures it can reach competitive frequencies when needed.

The i3-7320 does not win a single recorded benchmark, but it holds its own within a narrow margin. Its 4.10 GHz base clock is the highest raw frequency in this comparison, and its 51 W TDP means it can sustain that frequency without relying on boost. For desktop users who prioritize simplicity and do not need multi-threading, the i3-7320 remains a viable option, especially since it is still an active production part with a standard desktop socket.

However, the verdict from the benchmark data is clear: the i7-8665UE is the better performer in every measured test. Its 1.7% advantage across the board, combined with 8 threads and 8 MB of L3 cache, makes it the stronger processor for both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The only advantage the i3-7320 holds is its higher base clock and desktop market positioning, which may matter for users who need consistent performance under sustained load without boost behavior.

For mobile users, the i7-8665UE is the only sensible choice given its socket and TDP. For desktop builders who have an Intel Socket 1151 motherboard and need a low-cost processor, the i3-7320 will deliver similar performance within 2% of the i7-8665UE, but the i7-8665UE is not socket-compatible with desktop boards. The decision ultimately comes down to platform, but the raw performance data favors the i7-8665UE in every recorded benchmark.