CPU Comparison

The Intel Core i3-9350K and Intel Core i5-7600 are both 4-core, 4-thread desktop processors built on Intel's 14 nm process, but the benchmark data shows a decisive performance gap. The i3-9350K wins every single head-to-head benchmark in the comparison, with a consistent lead of roughly 15% across all tested workloads. The average benchmark scores reinforce this: the i3-9350K scores 1867 versus 1844 for the i5-7600, placing both at the 42nd percentile among all CPUs.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking pattern in the data is the uniformity of the i3-9350K's advantage. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-9350K scores 650 against 563 for the i5-7600, a 15.5% difference. The single-core result in the same test shows 91 versus 79, a 15.2% lead. This consistency suggests the i3-9350K's advantage comes from its higher clock speeds rather than any workload-specific strength.

Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core test shows 2711 for the i3-9350K versus 2348 for the i5-7600, again a 15.5% delta. Single-core performance in R20 follows the same trajectory: 382 against 331, a 15.4% improvement. The i3-9350K's boost clock of 4.60 GHz versus 4.10 GHz on the i5-7600 largely explains this gap, as both chips share the same core and thread counts.

The newest benchmark in the set, Cinebench R23, continues the trend. Multi-core scores are 6456 for the i3-9350K and 5591 for the i5-7600, a 15.5% delta. Single-core scores are 911 and 789 respectively, once more a 15.5% gap. These numbers are remarkably stable across all six tests, with the deltaPct never deviating from the 15.2% to 15.5% range. This consistency indicates that the i3-9350K is simply clocked higher across the board, delivering a predictable performance uplift in every scenario tested.

It is worth noting that the i5-7600 has additional Geekbench results in its benchmark list, 3704 multi-core and 1344 single-core, but the head-to-head comparison does not include these tests. The six Cinebench tests are the only direct comparisons available, and the i3-9350K wins all of them.

Architecture Differences

Both processors use Intel's 14 nm process node and share the same Intel Socket 1151, but they represent different architectural generations. The i3-9350K is built on Coffee Lake, specifically the Coffee Lake Refresh generation, while the i5-7600 uses Kaby Lake. This generation gap explains several key differences beyond raw clock speed.

The most significant architectural difference is in the L3 cache. The i3-9350K has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-7600 has 6 MB. This 2 MB difference can improve performance in cache-sensitive workloads, though the benchmark data suggests the clock speed advantage is the primary driver. Both chips have identical L1 cache at 64 KB per core and L2 cache at 256 KB per core.

Memory support is similar, both support DDR4 with dual-channel memory and a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. PCIe connectivity is also identical: Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics differ slightly: the i3-9350K has UHD 630, while the i5-7600 has HD 630. Neither is positioned as a gaming GPU, but the newer UHD 630 is a modest upgrade.

Critical differences emerge in features and availability. The i3-9350K has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable, while the i5-7600 is locked. The i3-9350K also supports ECC memory, which the i5-7600 does not. The i3-9350K is marked as end-of-life production status, while the i5-7600 remains active. The i3-9350K was released on 2019-04-22, while the i5-7600 came earlier on 2017-01-02.

The die size also differs: the i3-9350K has a measured die size of 126 mm², while the i5-7600's die size is not listed. The i3-9350K has a higher TDP at 91 watts versus 65 watts for the i5-7600, which reflects the higher clocks but also means more heat output.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher maximum clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i3-9350K has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-7600 boosts to 4.10 GHz. The base clocks are 4.00 GHz and 3.50 GHz respectively.

Q: Do both processors support overclocking?

A: No. The Intel Core i3-9350K has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking. The Intel Core i5-7600 does not have an unlocked multiplier.

Q: Is there a difference in L3 cache capacity?

A: Yes. The Intel Core i3-9350K has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i5-7600 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

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

A: The Intel Core i3-9350K scores 6456 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, versus 5591 for the Intel Core i5-7600, a 15.5% lead for the i3-9350K.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The Intel Core i3-9350K supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core i5-7600 does not.

Q: What is the production status of each CPU?

A: The Intel Core i3-9350K is marked as end-of-life, while the Intel Core i5-7600 is listed as active production.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-9350K | Intel Core i5-7600 |

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

| Base Clock | 4.00 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.10 GHz |

| TDP | 91 W | 65 W |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Kaby Lake |

| Generation | Core i3 (Coffee Lake Refresh) | Core i5 (Kaby Lake) |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Die Size | 126 mm² | Not listed |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD 630 | HD 630 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

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

| Release Date | 2019-04-22 | 2017-01-02 |

| Launch MSRP | $184 | Not listed |

| Part Number | SRCZT | SR334 |

Both CPUs share identical specs in several areas: 4 cores, 4 threads, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, DDR4 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, Gen 3 PCIe with 16 lanes, Intel Socket 1151, and 14 nm process node.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i3-9350K outperforms the Intel Core i5-7600 in every benchmark tested. The i3-9350K wins all six head-to-head comparisons, with a consistent 15.5% advantage in multi-core tests and a 15.2% to 15.5% advantage in single-core tests. The average benchmark score of 1867 versus 1844 confirms the edge, though the percentile ranking is identical at 42 for both.

Clock speed is the primary differentiator. The i3-9350K's 4.60 GHz boost clock is 12.2% higher than the i5-7600's 4.10 GHz, and the base clock of 4.00 GHz versus 3.50 GHz is a 14.3% gap. The larger 8 MB L3 cache on the i3-9350K also helps in workloads that benefit from additional cache capacity. The i5-7600's advantages are limited to lower TDP (65 watts versus 91 watts) and active production status.

For buyers choosing between these two, the i3-9350K is the clear performance choice, provided the higher TDP is acceptable. The i5-7600 offers no performance wins in the data, though its lower power draw and active production status may appeal to some users. The i3-9350K also adds ECC memory support and an unlocked multiplier, making it more flexible for overclocking and certain professional workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-9350K wins in every performance category measured. It is faster in all six Cinebench tests, covering both single-core and multi-core workloads across R15, R20, and R23 versions. The single-core advantage of 15.2% to 15.5% makes it the better choice for lightly-threaded applications like older games or productivity tasks that rely on one strong core. The multi-core advantage of 15.5% extends to more heavily-threaded workloads such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation tasks.

The i3-9350K also wins on features. It offers ECC memory support, which is valuable for systems requiring data integrity in server-like or workstation environments. The unlocked multiplier allows manual overclocking, potentially pushing performance even further beyond the stock numbers. Its larger 8 MB L3 cache is another point in its favor for cache-sensitive workloads.

The Intel Core i5-7600 has no benchmark wins, but it does have qualitative advantages. Its 65-watt TDP is significantly lower than the i3-9350K's 91 watts, making it easier to cool in compact systems or with a capable air cooler. It is also listed as active production, meaning it may be easier to source new units. For users prioritizing power efficiency over raw performance, the i5-7600 is the more practical choice, though the i3-9350K's higher clocks deliver a decisive performance edge in all measured scenarios.