Intel Core i3-9350KF vs Intel Core i7-7820HK Comparison

The Intel Core i3-9350KF and Intel Core i7-7820HK are two end-of-life processors from different market segments: the i3 is a desktop part based on Coffee Lake, while the i7 is a mobile part based on Kaby Lake-H. Despite the i7's higher thread count, the recorded benchmark data shows the i3 winning seven of eight head-to-head tests. This analysis examines the architecture, specifications, and benchmark results to clarify where each processor excels.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i3-9350KF scores 896 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Intel Core i7-7820HK scores 890. The i3 leads by 0.7%.

Q: How do the two compare in multi-threaded workloads?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i3-9350KF scores 6352 against the i7-7820HK's 6306, a 0.7% advantage. However, in Geekbench multi-core, the i7-7820HK takes the lead with 4173 versus 4098, a 1.8% margin.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The i3-9350KF has 4 cores and 4 threads, while the i7-7820HK has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock?

A: The i3-9350KF has a base clock of 4.00 GHz, compared to the i7-7820HK's 2.90 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: The i3-9350KF supports ECC memory, while the i7-7820HK does not.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each?

A: The i3-9350KF has an average benchmark score of 2082, while the i7-7820HK has 2048.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 14 nm process node and identical die size of 126 mm². Both have 4 cores and 8 MB of shared L3 cache, with 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 per core. The key architectural difference lies in the core design: the i3-9350KF uses Coffee Lake, while the i7-7820HK uses Kaby Lake-H. The i3 has a base clock of 4.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, whereas the i7 runs at 2.90 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost. The i7 compensates with Hyper-Threading, giving it 8 threads versus 4. The i3 has a TDP of 91 W, the i7 45 W. The i3 uses Socket 1151, the i7 BGA 1440. Memory support differs: the i3 supports DDR4 only, the i7 supports DDR3 and DDR4. The i3 has ECC support, the i7 does not. The i7 includes Intel HD Graphics 630, while the i3 has no integrated graphics. The i7 has an unlocked multiplier, the i3 does not. The i7 was released in January 2017, the i3 in January 2019.

Both processors share the same PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes) and dual-channel memory bus. The i3 lists a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the i7's bandwidth is not recorded. The i3 is a desktop part, the i7 a mobile part, which explains the TDP and socket differences. The i7's integrated graphics and lower power draw make it suitable for systems without a discrete GPU, while the i3's higher clocks and ECC support target desktop workloads that demand per-core performance and memory reliability.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results are consistent across most tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3 scores 640 against 635, a 0.8% lead. In single-core, it wins 90 to 89, a 1.1% margin. In Cinebench R20 multi-core, the i3 scores 2667 versus 2648, a 0.7% lead, and in single-core 376 versus 373, a 0.8% margin. Cinebench R23 follows the same pattern: multi-core 6352 vs 6306 (0.7% lead) and single-core 896 vs 890 (0.7% lead). The i3's single-core advantage is most pronounced in Geekbench, where it scores 1534 against the i7's 1273, a 20.5% lead. The only i7 win is Geekbench multi-core, where it scores 4173 against 4098, a 1.8% advantage.

The data shows that the i3 wins every Cinebench test, both single and multi-core, despite having half the threads of the i7. This indicates that the i3's higher clock speeds and newer architecture more than compensate for the lack of Hyper-Threading in these workloads. The i7's win in Geekbench multi-core suggests that its extra threads can be beneficial in that specific benchmark, but it does not overcome the i3's lead in other multi-threaded tests. The i3's 20.5% single-core advantage in Geekbench is the largest margin in the entire comparison, highlighting its strength in latency-sensitive tasks.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i3-9350KF | Intel Core i7-7820HK |

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

| Threads | 4 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 4.00 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.60 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| TDP | 91 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel BGA 1440 |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Kaby Lake |

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

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

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

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel HD Graphics 630 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2019-01-07 | 2017-01-02 |

| Launch MSRP | $173 | $378 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SRF7V | SR32P |

Both processors share the same core count (4), process node (14 nm), die size (126 mm²), L1/L2/L3 cache sizes, PCIe configuration, memory bus (dual-channel), production status (end-of-life), and percentile rank (46th). The i3 has a higher average benchmark score (2082 vs 2048) and a higher launch MSRP? Actually the i3 has a lower launch MSRP ($173 vs $378). The i7's unlocked multiplier and integrated graphics are notable differentiators, as is its lower TDP.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the Intel Core i3-9350KF is the faster processor in the majority of benchmarks. It wins all Cinebench tests and Geekbench single-core, and has a higher average benchmark score (2082 vs 2048). The i7-7820HK only wins Geekbench multi-core, but it offers a lower TDP (45 W vs 91 W), integrated graphics, and an unlocked multiplier. The i3 also had a lower launch MSRP ($173 vs $378). For users who prioritize raw performance, the i3 is the clear choice. For those who need integrated graphics, lower power consumption, or overclocking flexibility, the i7 may be more suitable, despite its lower benchmark scores in most tests.

Both processors sit at the 46th percentile among all CPUs, meaning they are in the middle of the performance distribution. The i3's average score of 2082 places it just 0.2% above the Intel Xeon W-2123, while the i7's 2048 is exactly matched by the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5. This indicates that the two are closely matched in overall performance, but the i3's wins in seven of eight head-to-head tests give it a clear edge in most workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The i3-9350KF wins in single-threaded workloads, as shown by its 20.5% lead in Geekbench single-core and consistent leads in Cinebench single-core tests. It also wins in Cinebench multi-core, indicating strong performance in rendering tasks. The i3's higher base and boost clocks, along with its ECC support, make it well suited for desktop applications that demand high per-core performance and memory reliability.

The i7-7820HK wins in Geekbench multi-core, which may reflect its higher thread count in that specific benchmark. Additionally, the i7 has integrated graphics, making it suitable for systems without a discrete GPU. Its lower TDP and unlocked multiplier make it attractive for compact or overclockable mobile builds. The i7's support for both DDR3 and DDR4 memory adds flexibility, though its memory bandwidth is not recorded. For users who prioritize power efficiency, integrated graphics, or the ability to adjust the multiplier, the i7 offers distinct advantages, even though it trails the i3 in most benchmark scores.