Intel Core i3-9350KF vs Intel Core i7-8705G Comparison

The benchmark data presents a clear split: the Intel Core i7-8705G dominates in Cinebench workloads, while the Intel Core i3-9350KF counters decisively in Geekbench. The i7-8705G wins six of eight head-to-head tests, but the i3-9350KF's single-core Geekbench margin is so large that it redefines the comparison. Neither processor escapes the 46th percentile ranking among all CPUs, placing both in the mid-range performance tier. The i3-9350KF averages a benchmark score of 2082, edging out the i7-8705G's 2058, though both sit within a statistical dead heat against their nearest rivals.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i7-8705G's Cinebench sweep is consistent but narrow. Across all six Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests, the i7-8705G wins by margins ranging from 1.1% to 1.8%. The pattern holds in both single-core and multi-core runs: R15 multi-core shows 651 versus 640 (a 1.7% lead), while R15 single-core shows 91 versus 90 (1.1% ahead). R20 multi-core repeats the 1.7% gap with 2714 versus 2667, and R20 single-core widens slightly to 1.8% (383 versus 376). R23 multi-core delivers 6464 versus 6352, again 1.7% ahead, and R23 single-core lands at 912 versus 896, a 1.8% advantage. These results indicate the i7-8705G holds a small but reproducible edge in rendering and compute workloads, likely stemming from its additional threads.

The i3-9350KF answers in Geekbench with authority. Its multi-core score of 4098 surpasses the i7-8705G's 3968 by 3.3%, a reversal of the Cinebench trend. The single-core Geekbench result is the standout: 1534 versus 1277, a 20.1% victory for the i3-9350KF. This massive single-thread lead is the largest delta in the entire comparison, suggesting the i3-9350KF's higher clock speeds translate directly into superior responsiveness in lightly-threaded tasks. The i3-9350KF's boost clock of 4.60 GHz versus the i7-8705G's 4.10 GHz explains much of this gap, as does the base clock advantage of 4.00 GHz versus 3.10 GHz.

The wins break down as 6 for the i7-8705G and 2 for the i3-9350KF, but the magnitude tells a different story. The i7-8705G's six wins average roughly 1.6% margins, while the i3-9350KF's two wins average 11.7%. In aggregate benchmarks, the i3-9350KF's average score of 2082 slightly exceeds the i7-8705G's 2058, meaning the Geekbench victories outweigh the Cinebench losses in overall average. Both CPUs rank at the 46th percentile, placing them alongside the Intel Xeon W-2123 (2079, 0.2% from the i3) and the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G (2059, 0.1% from the i7).

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same 14 nm process node and Intel foundry, but they diverge fundamentally in architecture generation. The i3-9350KF uses Coffee Lake, specifically the Coffee Lake Refresh generation, while the i7-8705G is built on Kaby Lake, designated Kaby Lake G. This generational gap explains some performance characteristics: Coffee Lake represents a refinement of the Kaby Lake design, though the i7-8705G compensates with hyper-threading.

The core counts match at 4 cores each, but threading diverges sharply. The i3-9350KF offers 4 threads total, while the i7-8705G doubles that to 8 threads. This explains the i7-8705G's consistent Cinebench multi-core wins, as those workloads scale with thread count. Cache layouts are identical: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Die sizes are nearly identical at 126 mm² for the i3-9350KF and 125 mm² for the i7-8705G.

The socket and market positioning differ completely. The i3-9350KF targets desktop with Intel Socket 1151, while the i7-8705G is a mobile part using Intel BGA 2270. This explains the TDP disparity: 91 watts for the desktop i3-9350KF versus 65 watts for the mobile i7-8705G. PCIe lanes also differ, with the i3-9350KF offering Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes versus the i7-8705G's Gen 3 with 8 lanes. The i7-8705G includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the i3-9350KF lists none, consistent with its "KF" suffix indicating no iGPU. The i3-9350KF supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the i7-8705G.

Memory support is identical on paper: DDR4, dual-channel, 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. However, the i3-9350KF was released on 2019-01-07, roughly one year after the i7-8705G's 2018-01-06 launch. The i3-9350KF launched with an MSRP of $173, while the i7-8705G has no listed launch MSRP. Both are end-of-life products with locked multipliers.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-8705G has 8 threads via hyper-threading on its 4 cores, while the Intel Core i3-9350KF has 4 threads total with no hyper-threading. This thread advantage drives the i7-8705G's wins in all six Cinebench tests.

Q: Why does the i3-9350KF win Geekbench single-core by such a large margin?

A: The i3-9350KF scores 1534 versus 1277, a 20.1% lead. This correlates with its higher clocks: 4.00 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost, compared to the i7-8705G's 3.10 GHz base and 4.10 GHz boost. The desktop part's clock advantage is amplified in short, single-threaded bursts.

Q: Are these processors comparable in overall performance?

A: The average benchmark scores are close: 2082 for the i3-9350KF and 2058 for the i7-8705G, a difference of about 1.2%. Both sit at the 46th percentile of all CPUs. The i3-9350KF's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X (2094, -0.6% delta), while the i7-8705G's closest match is the Intel Core i3-10105T (2058, 0% delta).

Q: What are the key platform differences?

A: The i3-9350KF is a desktop chip on Socket 1151 with 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, 91W TDP, and ECC support. The i7-8705G is mobile on BGA 2270 with 8 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, 65W TDP, and no ECC. The i7-8705G includes Intel HD Graphics 630; the i3-9350KF has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which CPU is more efficient?

A: The i7-8705G has a lower TDP at 65 watts versus the i3-9350KF's 91 watts, making it the more power-conscious choice for sustained workloads. However, the i3-9350KF's higher clocks suggest it can complete burst tasks faster, potentially offsetting its higher power draw in intermittent usage.

Q: Do both CPUs support the same memory?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 memory in dual-channel configuration with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth. The i3-9350KF adds ECC memory support, which the i7-8705G lacks.

The Verdict

The data points to a workload-dependent choice. For multi-threaded rendering and compute tasks, the Intel Core i7-8705G is the better pick, as its 8 threads deliver wins across every Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 test. The margins are small — never exceeding 1.8% — but they are consistent and reproducible. The i7-8705G also offers integrated graphics and a lower 65W TDP, making it a more versatile mobile solution.

For single-threaded responsiveness and general desktop snappiness, the Intel Core i3-9350KF is unquestionably superior. Its 20.1% Geekbench single-core lead is the single largest performance gap in this comparison, and its 3.3% Geekbench multi-core win shows that clock speed can overcome a thread deficit in certain workloads. The i3-9350KF also supports ECC memory and offers 16 PCIe lanes versus 8, making it more suitable for desktop expansion.

The average benchmark scores favor the i3-9350KF at 2082 versus 2058, but both processors remain anchored at the 46th percentile. The i7-8705G's nearest rival, the Intel Core i3-10105T, matches it exactly at 2058, while the i3-9350KF trades blows with the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X (2094) and the Intel Xeon W-2123 (2079). Neither chip escapes the mid-range tier.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-9350KF | Intel Core i7-8705G |

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

| 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 |

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

| Die Size | 126 mm² | 125 mm² |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe Lanes | 16 (Gen 3, CPU only) | 8 (Gen 3, CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel HD Graphics 630 |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2019-01-07 | 2018-01-06 |

| Launch MSRP | $173 | None listed |

| Part Number | SRF7V | SR3RK |

Where Each One Wins

The i7-8705G wins in all Cinebench benchmarks, making it the choice for video rendering, 3D modeling, and any workload that scales with thread count. Its 8 threads provide a 1.7% advantage in multi-core Cinebench R23 (6464 versus 6352) and similar margins across R15 and R20. The single-core Cinebench wins (1.1-1.8%) indicate it also handles lighter threaded render tasks adequately. Its 65W TDP and integrated graphics make it suitable for compact or mobile systems where power and space are constrained.

The i3-9350KF wins in Geekbench, particularly single-core performance. The 20.1% lead in Geekbench single-core (1534 versus 1277) makes it the pick for application launches, web browsing, office productivity, and gaming scenarios that rely on single-thread performance. Its 3.3% Geekbench multi-core win (4098 versus 3968) shows that in some multi-threaded scenarios, the higher clock speed compensates for the lack of hyper-threading. The desktop socket, 16 PCIe lanes, and ECC support make it the better foundation for a workstation or enthusiast desktop build, provided the workload favors clock speed over thread count. The i3-9350KF's $173 launch MSRP also positions it as the lower-cost entry point, though both chips are now end-of-life products.