Intel Core i3-7350K vs Intel Core i5-5575R Comparison

The Intel Core i5-5575R and Intel Core i3-7350K represent two distinct approaches to desktop processing from Intel, separated by nearly two years of release dates. The i5-5575R, a Broadwell-era part with a launch MSRP of $265, relies on four physical cores, while the i3-7350K, from the Kaby Lake generation, is a dual-core processor with four threads. Benchmark data shows a surprisingly consistent pattern: the older i5 wins seven of eight head-to-head tests, but the single-core Geekbench result tells a different story that defines their respective strengths.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite provides the clearest picture of the i5-5575R’s advantage. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5 scores 435 against the i3’s 417, a delta of 4.3%. That margin persists across every Cinebench iteration: R20 multi-core shows 1816 versus 1740 (4.4% delta), and R23 multi-core shows 4324 versus 4144 (4.3% delta). Single-core Cinebench results follow the same trend, with the i5 leading by 5.2% in R15 (61 vs 58), 4.5% in R20 (256 vs 245), and 4.3% in R23 (610 vs 585). These are consistent, narrow margins—not overwhelming, but steady across all three versions of the benchmark.

Geekbench multi-core reinforces the i5’s lead with the largest delta of the entire comparison. The i5-5575R scores 3247, while the i3-7350K manages 3018, a 7.6% difference. That is a more substantial gap than any Cinebench result, suggesting the i5’s additional physical cores matter more in Geekbench’s workload mix.

The single exception is Geekbench single-core, where the i3-7350K wins decisively. The i3 scores 1488 against the i5’s 1072, a delta of -28% from the i5’s perspective. This is a massive reversal—the i3 outperforms the i5 by over 38% in this specific test (1488 divided by 1072 equals roughly 1.388). No other benchmark comes close to this magnitude of difference, and it highlights the i3’s high clock speed advantage in lightly threaded scenarios.

The overall win count stands at 7 wins for the i5-5575R and 1 win for the i3-7350K. In terms of average benchmark scores, the i5 averages 1478, while the i3 averages 1462, a difference of about 1.1%. Both CPUs sit at the 38th percentile of all CPUs, indicating they occupy a similar overall performance tier despite their architectural differences.

Architecture Differences

The i5-5575R is built on Intel’s Broadwell architecture using a 14 nm process node, while the i3-7350K uses Kaby Lake, also on 14 nm. Both are manufactured by Intel, but the die size differs significantly: the i5 has a die size of 182 mm², while the i3’s die size is not listed. The i5 features 4 cores and 4 threads, whereas the i3 has 2 cores and 4 threads, meaning the i3 relies on Hyper-Threading to match thread count with half the physical cores.

Base clocks are a major differentiator. The i5-5575R runs at 2.80 GHz with a boost clock of 3.30 GHz. The i3-7350K runs at 4.20 GHz with no boost clock listed—it simply runs at that fixed frequency. This explains the Geekbench single-core result: the i3’s 4.20 GHz base clock is substantially higher than the i5’s 3.30 GHz boost, and without needing to scale up from a lower base, the i3 delivers stronger raw single-thread throughput.

Cache configurations are identical in structure: both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, with 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory support differs, however. The i5 supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus and 29.9 GB/s of bandwidth, while the i3 supports DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth. That is a 28.4% higher theoretical memory bandwidth for the i3, which could benefit memory-sensitive workloads.

Integrated graphics also differ. The i5-5575R includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200, while the i3-7350K includes Intel HD 630. Both are integrated solutions, but the Iris Pro branding suggests a higher-tier iGPU, though no benchmark numbers are available for graphics performance. The i5 uses an Intel BGA 1364 socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard, while the i3 uses Intel Socket 1151, which is a standard LGA socket. The multiplier is unlocked on the i3-7350K, while the i5 is locked, meaning the i3 can be overclocked.

The release dates show the i5-5575R launched on 2015-05-14, and the i3-7350K launched on 2017-01-02. Both are marked as Active in production status and target the Desktop market segment. Neither supports ECC memory, and both provide PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-5575R wins every multi-threaded benchmark in the data set. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, it leads by margins between 4.3% and 4.4%. Geekbench multi-core shows its largest win at 7.6%. This pattern indicates that applications which scale across multiple cores—rendering, encoding, or compilation tasks—will favor the i5’s four physical cores over the i3’s two cores with four threads. The i5 also wins all single-core Cinebench tests, though by smaller margins of 4.3% to 5.2%, suggesting that its per-core efficiency in Cinebench’s single-threaded workload is adequate, even if not spectacular.

The i3-7350K’s only win is Geekbench single-core, but it is a decisive one. A 28% delta in favor of the i3 means that in workloads which depend almost entirely on single-thread performance—legacy applications, certain games, or spreadsheet calculations with sequential logic—the i3 will feel noticeably faster. The i3’s 4.20 GHz base clock without a boost clock is the likely driver, as it sustains high frequency without thermal or power management scaling. Additionally, the i3 supports DDR4 memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, which is a 28.4% improvement over the i5’s DDR3 bandwidth. For tasks that stream data heavily, the i3’s memory subsystem could provide an edge even if raw compute is lower.

The i3 also offers an unlocked multiplier, making it the better candidate for users who intend to overclock. The i5 has no such flexibility. The i3’s socket (Socket 1151) is a standard desktop socket, whereas the i5’s BGA 1364 is a ball-grid array, typically found in soldered applications like all-in-one systems or compact desktops, which limits upgrade potential.

The Verdict

From the data, the i5-5575R is the stronger all-around processor for multi-threaded workloads. It wins 7 of 8 benchmarks, including every Cinebench test and Geekbench multi-core. Its average benchmark score of 1478 is higher than the i3’s 1462, and it sits at the same 38th percentile. The i5’s four physical cores provide a stable foundation for rendering, multitasking, and any workload that can use more than two cores. Its Iris Pro Graphics 6200 also suggests better integrated graphics capability, though no graphics benchmarks are available to quantify this.

The i3-7350K is the choice for single-thread performance and overclocking. Its Geekbench single-core score of 1488 versus the i5’s 1072 is a decisive victory, and its 4.20 GHz base clock is the highest of the two. The unlocked multiplier and standard Socket 1151 make it more flexible for enthusiasts who want to push clock speeds further. The DDR4 memory support with higher bandwidth is another point in its favor for memory-intensive tasks.

Users who prioritize multi-core throughput—video editors, 3D modelers, or developers compiling code—should select the i5-5575R based on its consistent multi-core wins. Users who run applications that are strictly single-threaded, or who want headroom for overclocking, should select the i3-7350K. The i5’s BGA socket limits repairability and upgrades, while the i3’s LGA socket allows for easier system integration. Neither CPU is a clear overall winner; the choice depends entirely on workload profile.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i5-5575R scores 4324 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Core i3-7350K scores 4144, giving the i5 a 4.3% lead.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap in Geekbench?

A: The i3-7350K scores 1488 in Geekbench single-core, while the i5-5575R scores 1072. This is a 28% delta in favor of the i3, making it the only benchmark where the i3 wins.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The i5-5575R has 4 cores and 4 threads. The i3-7350K has 2 cores and 4 threads, using Hyper-Threading to reach the same thread count.

Q: Do both CPUs support the same memory type?

A: No. The i5-5575R supports DDR3 memory with 29.9 GB/s bandwidth, while the i3-7350K supports DDR4 memory with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which CPU has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The Intel Core i3-7350K has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core i5-5575R is locked. This makes the i3 suitable for overclocking.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each CPU?

A: The i5-5575R has an average benchmark score of 1478, and the i3-7350K has an average benchmark score of 1462. Both rank at the 38th percentile of all CPUs.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-5575R | Intel Core i3-7350K |

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

| Cores | 4 | 2 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 2.80 GHz | 4.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.30 GHz | None |

| TDP | 65 W | 60 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1364 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Broadwell | Kaby Lake |

| Generation | Core i5 (Broadwell) | Core i3 (Kaby Lake) |

| Die Size | 182 mm² | Not listed |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 29.9 GB/s | 38.4 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Pro Graphics 6200 | Intel HD 630 |

| Release Date | 2015-05-14 | 2017-01-02 |

| Launch MSRP | $265 | Not listed |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SR2AK | SR35B |