Intel Core i3-9350K vs Intel Core i7-8706G Comparison

The Intel Core i3-9350K and Intel Core i7-8706G occupy the same performance percentile (42nd) despite their divergent designs, making this a contest of a desktop overclocker against a mobile integrated powerhouse. The data shows the i3-9350K wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, though by margins so narrow (1.1% to 1.4%) that the real differentiators lie in architecture, platform, and intended use. The i7-8706G, with its Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics, trades raw CPU clock speed for a vastly more capable integrated GPU, while the i3-9350K offers unlocked multipliers and ECC memory support on a desktop socket. Neither chip dominates in raw compute; instead, the choice hinges on whether you need a desktop processor with overclocking headroom or a mobile solution with superior integrated graphics.

The Verdict

From the benchmark data alone, the Intel Core i3-9350K is the clear winner in CPU-bound workloads. It edges out the i7-8706G in every Cinebench test: 650 vs 641 in R15 multi-core (1.4% ahead), 91 vs 90 in R15 single-core, 2711 vs 2674 in R20 multi-core, 382 vs 377 in R20 single-core, 6456 vs 6368 in R23 multi-core, and 911 vs 899 in R23 single-core. These are consistent but small victories — the i3-9350K's higher 4.00 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost clocks (vs 3.10 GHz and 4.10 GHz) give it a sustained edge that shows up across every test iteration.

However, the verdict is not simply "buy the i3." The i7-8706G targets a completely different platform: it is a mobile chip on Intel BGA 2270, while the i3-9350K is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1151. If you are building a desktop PC, the i3-9350K is the only option between these two, and its unlocked multiplier (true for the i3, false for the i7) means overclocking potential that the i7 cannot match. Conversely, if you need a compact mobile system with strong integrated graphics, the i7-8706G's Radeon RX Vega M GL is the decisive feature — the i3-9350K's UHD 630 is a basic integrated solution by comparison, though the data does not quantify this gap.

The percentile ranking (42 for both) tells a deeper story: these chips are statistically equivalent in CPU performance when averaged across all benchmarks. The i3-9350K has an average benchmark score of 1867 vs 1842 for the i7-8706G, a difference of just 1.4%. The nearest rivals confirm this — the i3-9350K sits within 0.7% of the Intel Processor U300 and Xeon E3-1545M v5, while the i7-8706G is within 0.6% of the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U. In raw CPU terms, neither chip breaks new ground; the decision must come from platform and feature fit.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel families. The i3-9350K is built on Coffee Lake (codename Coffee Lake, generation "Core i3 (Coffee Lake Refresh)"), while the i7-8706G uses Kaby Lake (codename Kaby Lake G, generation "Core i7 (Kaby Lake-G)"). Both are fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process at Intel's foundry, so manufacturing node is identical. The die size for the i3 is 126 mm², while the i7's die size is not listed — an interesting omission given the i7's integrated Radeon graphics, which likely adds significant die area.

Core and thread counts differ: the i3-9350K has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the i7-8706G has 4 cores and 8 threads. This means the i7 benefits from Hyper-Threading, yet it still loses in multi-core benchmarks. The reason lies in clock speeds: the i3's 4.00 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost are substantially higher than the i7's 3.10 GHz base and 4.10 GHz boost. The i7's extra threads cannot compensate for a 500 MHz base-clock disadvantage in these Cinebench workloads.

Cache configurations are identical: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Memory support is DDR4 for both, but the i3 specifies dual-channel with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the i7's memory bus and bandwidth are not listed. The i3 supports ECC memory (true), while the i7 does not (false) — a notable feature for reliability-focused desktop builds. PCIe information is only given for the i3 (Gen 3, 16 lanes CPU-only), while the i7's PCIe is not listed. The i3 is unlocked (multiplier unlocked: true), the i7 is locked (false).

The i7-8706G's defining architectural feature is its integrated graphics: Radeon RX Vega M GL, a discrete-class GPU packaged alongside the CPU. The i3-9350K instead offers Intel UHD 630. This is the most significant architectural divergence — the i7 is designed for powerful graphics in a mobile form factor, while the i3 relies on a separate graphics card in a desktop context.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i3-9350K wins in all three multi-core tests. It scores 650 vs 641 in Cinebench R15, 2711 vs 2674 in R20, and 6456 vs 6368 in R23. The margin is consistently 1.4%.

Q: Does the i7-8706G's 8 threads help it beat the 4-thread i3-9350K?

A: No. Despite having 8 threads vs 4, the i7-8706G loses every multi-core benchmark. The i3-9350K's higher clock speeds (4.00 GHz base, 4.60 GHz boost vs 3.10 GHz and 4.10 GHz) overcome the i7's thread advantage in these Cinebench workloads.

Q: Are these chips comparable in overall performance?

A: Yes, their average benchmark scores are very close: 1867 for the i3-9350K vs 1842 for the i7-8706G, a 1.4% difference. Both rank in the 42nd percentile of all CPUs.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Core i3-9350K supports ECC memory (true). The i7-8706G does not (false). This makes the i3 a better fit for systems requiring error-correcting memory.

Q: Can the i7-8706G be overclocked?

A: No. The multiplier unlocked field is false for the i7-8706G. The i3-9350K, with multiplier unlocked set to true, is the only one of the two that permits overclocking.

Q: What is the significance of the i7-8706G's integrated graphics?

A: The i7-8706G features Radeon RX Vega M GL integrated graphics, which is a much more powerful solution than the i3-9350K's Intel UHD 630. This is likely the primary reason to choose the i7 for a mobile system without a discrete GPU.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-9350K | Intel Core i7-8706G |

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

| Cores | 4 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 4.00 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 4.10 GHz |

| TDP | 91 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel BGA 2270 |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Kaby Lake |

| Codename | Coffee Lake | Kaby Lake G |

| Generation | Core i3 (Coffee Lake Refresh) | Core i7 (Kaby Lake-G) |

| Die Size | 126 mm² | Not listed |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Not listed |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | Not listed |

| ECC Memory | True | False |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Not listed |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD 630 | Radeon RX Vega M GL |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

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

| Release Date | 2019-04-22 | 2018-01-31 |

| Launch MSRP | $184 | Not listed |

| Multiplier Unlocked | True | False |

| Part Number | SRCZT | Not listed |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i3-9350K sweeps all six head-to-head benchmarks, but the margins tell a story of near-parity rather than dominance. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3 scores 650 against the i7's 641, a 1.4% advantage. Single-core R15 is even closer: 91 vs 90, a 1.1% lead. Moving to R20, multi-core shows 2711 vs 2674 (1.4%), and single-core shows 382 vs 377 (1.3%). The R23 results continue the pattern: 6456 vs 6368 multi-core (1.4%) and 911 vs 899 single-core (1.3%).

These consistent 1.1% to 1.4% margins suggest the i3's clock-speed advantage translates directly into benchmark wins, but the i7's Hyper-Threading nearly compensates. The i7-8706G's 8 threads allow it to stay within striking distance despite a 900 MHz base-clock deficit and 500 MHz boost-clock deficit. Interestingly, the i7's single-core scores (90, 377, 899) are only 1.1% to 1.3% behind the i3, which shows that the i7's lower clocks are not fully offset by its architecture.

The cumulative effect is visible in average benchmark scores: 1867 for the i3 vs 1842 for the i7. That 25-point gap is less than the margin between the i3 and its nearest rival, the Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4 (1869, -0.1% delta). The i7's closest competitor, the Intel Core i5-7600 (1844), is only 2 points higher in average score, underscoring how tightly grouped these mid-range processors are.

Where Each One Wins

The i3-9350K wins in every CPU benchmark category, but its victories are narrow. It is the better choice for pure processing power, particularly in single-threaded workloads where its 4.60 GHz boost clock delivers 911 points in Cinebench R23 single-core vs 899 for the i7. The i3 also offers overclocking (unlocked multiplier) and ECC memory support, making it the superior pick for a desktop workstation where maximum CPU throughput and data integrity matter. Its 91 W TDP, while higher than the i7's 65 W, is reasonable for a desktop socket with aftermarket cooling.

The i7-8706G wins in platform flexibility and integrated graphics capability. Its Radeon RX Vega M GL is a far more powerful integrated solution than the UHD 630, making it ideal for a compact mobile system where a discrete GPU is impractical. The i7's 65 W TDP is significantly lower, and its active production status means it remains available for new designs, whereas the i3 is end-of-life. The i7 also has 8 threads, which could help in workloads that scale beyond 4 threads, even though Cinebench results show it still loses to the higher-clocked i3.

The data ultimately suggests a use-case split: the i3-9350K is for desktop builders who prioritize CPU performance, overclocking, and ECC support, and who will pair it with a dedicated graphics card. The i7-8706G is for mobile or compact systems where integrated Radeon graphics eliminate the need for a separate GPU, and where lower power consumption (65 W vs 91 W) is beneficial. Neither chip excels in absolute terms — both sit at the 42nd percentile — so the decision rests entirely on which platform and feature set matches your needs.