Intel Core i3 8350K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£150
  • PassMark benchmark result: 6926
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Core i3 8350K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.6

Technical Score

10.0%

9.3

User score

Good
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.2

Performance

18.0%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(2517)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.1

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.3

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.5

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-8350K is an 8th Generation Coffee Lake processor featuring 4 physical cores and 4 threads with a high base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and 8 MB of L3 Smart Cache. Built on a 14nm process with a 91W TDP, it utilizes the LGA 1151 socket and includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. A major pro is its unlocked multiplier, allowing for significant overclocking potential—often reaching 5.0 GHz or higher—which delivers class-leading single-core performance and makes it highly competitive in gaming compared to previous-generation i5 models. However, its main cons include the lack of Intel Turbo Boost technology, the absence of a bundled stock cooler in the box, and a price point that sits very close to 6-core alternatives like the i5-8400, which offers better multi-threaded value for most users.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 8350K

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.2

Performance

18.0%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

4.6
Intel Core i3 8350K has a technical score of 4.64 points, which is lower than that of 62.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(2517)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.3
Intel Core i3 8350K has a user score of 9.3 points, which is higher than that of 90.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i3 8350K has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.5
Intel Core i3 8350K has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 53% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i3 8350K belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i3 8350K uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel 300 Series
Intel Core i3 8350K supports Intel 300 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 8350K uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i3 8350K has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 8350K offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i3 8350K offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 4.0 GHz
Intel Core i3 8350K has a base clock of 4x4.0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i3 8350K uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i3 8350K is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

8 MB
Intel Core i3 8350K has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i3 8350K has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i3 8350K has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i3 8350K supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i3 8350K supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2400 MHz
Intel Core i3 8350K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i3 8350K supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 8350K includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i3 8350K uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% and equal to that in 8.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

23
Intel Core i3 8350K has 23 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 50.9% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i3 8350K has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 8350K supports VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 82.1% of processors and equal to 3.6% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

91 W
Intel Core i3 8350K has a TDP of 91 W which is higher than that of 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

91 W
Intel Core i3 8350K has a base power of 91 W which is higher than that of 88.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

91 W
Intel Core i3 8350K has a boost power of 91 W which is higher than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i3 8350K does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i3 8350K vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i3 8350K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 8350K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i3 8350K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 8350K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i3 8350K supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Can work with ECC memory, which helps detect and correct certain memory errors on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When long-term stability, uptime, or data integrity matter more than a basic consumer-style setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 8350K supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².126 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i3 8350K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i3 8350K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 16.3% higher user score
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.30 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.30 vs 8,000).9.3 vs 8
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 8350K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 8350K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.AES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 8350K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i3 8350K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 8350K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 8350K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i3 8350K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 8350K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i3 8350K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i3 8350K supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 8350K has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    October 2,017
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 34.2% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,926 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • No Turbo Boost
    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
  • 11.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (4,238 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 8350K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.02x higher base power
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.02x higher TDP
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 42.2% higher boost power
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 2.02x higher base power
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.91 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 8350K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i3 8350K has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 8350K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 8350K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 8350K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i3 8350K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 8350K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i3 8350K?

  • High overclocking potential with many users reaching 4.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz stable
  • Excellent single-core performance, making it competitive for high-frame-rate gaming in its price class
  • Significant upgrade over previous i3 generations, offering four physical cores for the first time
  • Strong performance-per-dollar value for users who specifically need high clock speeds over more cores
  • Supports ECC memory, which is unusual for a consumer-grade i3 processor

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 8350K?

  • Requires a more expensive Z-series motherboard to utilize its main feature: overclocking
  • Does not include a bundled thermal solution, adding to the total system cost
  • Poor value compared to the Core i5-8400, which offers six cores for a similar price
  • Lacks Turbo Boost technology, meaning it stays at its base 4.0 GHz unless manually overclocked
  • High power consumption and heat output when pushed to high clock speeds, requiring substantial cooling
  • Four threads can become a bottleneck in modern AAA games or heavily multi-threaded workloads compared to Ryzen alternatives

Expert reviews

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tomshardware.com
16/11/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K upgrades the series to a 4.0 GHz quad-core design, offering strong single-threaded performance and excellent overclocking potential that rivals higher-tier CPUs in gaming, according to Tom's Hardware. Pros include high stock frequencies and impressive gaming results in titles favoring speed over core count. However, the chip lacks Turbo Boost, lacks an...Read more

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gamersnexus.net
30/10/2017

a little longer The Gamers Nexus review positions the Intel i3-8350K as an enthusiast-focused quad-core processor offering 4.8GHz to 5.0GHz overclocks, allowing it to compete with the i7-7700K in frequency-bound gaming scenarios like GTA V. However, the chip's high price point, lack of a bundled cooler, and the requirement for expensive Z370 motherboards make it a poor value...Read more

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hexus.net
23/02/2018

The HEXUS review of the 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8350K and i3-8100 highlights the transition to native quad-core designs on the 14nm Coffee Lake architecture, effectively replacing previous-gen i5 models. While offering strong IPC performance and a 4.0GHz+ clock speed, both processors lack Turbo Boost, resulting in static operating frequencies. Pros include the i3-8350K's "excellent"...Read more

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bit-tech.net
26/10/2017

The bit-tech review highlights the Intel Core i3-8350K as a 14nm quad-core processor delivering a significant performance jump for the i3 lineup, featuring a 4.0GHz base clock and 8MB cache. Pros include excellent single-threaded performance and an unlocked multiplier, allowing it to reach a stable 5.1GHz in testing and outperform older i7 processors. However, the chip lacks Turbo...Read more

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pcgameshardware.de
06/05/2019

a little longer PC Games Hardware (PCGH) analyzes the efficiency gains of undervolting Intel Coffee Lake and AMD Pinnacle Ridge CPUs, demonstrating that reducing core voltage (Vcore) lowers power consumption and temperatures without sacrificing performance. For the Intel i7-8700K, a -100mV offset can drop temperatures by over 10°C, although benefits may be limited by thermal paste...Read more

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hardwareinside.de
19/10/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K, reviewed by Hardware-Inside, is a quad-core processor that bridges the i3/i5 gap with a 4.0 GHz stock clock, delivering strong single-threaded performance and high-clocked gaming, sometimes surpassing higher-tier options. It exhibits significant overclocking potential, achieving 4.9 GHz on air cooling, although it runs hot at 91°C under maximum load,...Read more

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cowcotland.com
17/04/2018

The Cowcotland review of the Intel Core i3-8350K highlights its shift to a quad-core, 14nm Coffee Lake architecture, operating at a 4.0 GHz base clock without Turbo Boost. The processor delivers strong single-threaded results and gaming performance that often rivals older i5-7600K chips. Key pros include its unlocked multiplier, allowing for stable overclocking between 4.8 GHz and...Read more

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tomshardware.fr
15/11/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K introduces four physical cores to the i3 lineup, delivering performance comparable to previous-generation i5 processors with a high 4.0 GHz base clock. Its unlocked multiplier allows for significant overclocking, frequently reaching 4.8 to 5.0 GHz with adequate cooling. However, the CPU lacks Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, and its high platform cost,...Read more

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hardware.fr
05/10/2017

The Hardware.fr review of Intel's 8th Gen "Coffee Lake" processors highlights a major architectural shift, with the 6-core i7-8700K offering a 50% multi-threaded performance jump over its predecessor, solidifying its status as a gaming leader. While praised for performance and overclocking potential, drawbacks included high power consumption and the forced upgrade to new Z370...Read more

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valid.x86.fr
01/02/2026

The CPU-Z Validator report confirms the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D (8C/16T) as a high-value gaming processor, achieving a 542 single-thread and 5,443 multi-thread score, while utilizing 96 MB of L3 V-Cache to boost gaming performance. It acts as an efficient, budget-friendly "drop-in" upgrade for AM4 systems, often matching superior, higher-priced alternatives in gaming scenarios. However,...Read more

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tomshw.it
20/11/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K represents a significant shift as the first quad-core i3, delivering performance that often matches or exceeds previous-generation i5-7600K chips in gaming and lightly-threaded tasks due to its 4.0 GHz frequency. As a "K" series processor, it offers an unlocked multiplier allowing for substantial overclocking towards the 4.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz range with adequate...Read more

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hwupgrade.it
23/10/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K, reviewed by HWUpgrade.it, marks a significant shift for the series by introducing a true four-core, four-thread architecture on the 14nm++ Coffee Lake platform. Operating at a fixed 4.0 GHz without Turbo Boost, this unlocked processor is identified as an "overclocker's dream" capable of hitting 5.0 GHz to match previous-generation i5-7600K performance. Key...Read more

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tvtech.it
20/10/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K transitions the i3 line to a quad-core "Coffee Lake" architecture, offering a 4.0 GHz base clock aimed at overclocking enthusiasts. Key advantages include high single-thread performance with 5.0 GHz+ overclocking potential and a large 8MB L3 cache. Drawbacks consist of a lack of Turbo Boost, mandatory high-end Z370/Z390 motherboard requirements, and lower...Read more

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tweakers.net
27/10/2017

The Intel Core i3-8350K represents a significant shift for the i3 lineup, featuring four physical cores, a high 4.0 GHz base clock, and strong single-threaded performance for gaming. Unlike older i3 models, this chip lacks Intel Turbo Boost technology, relying instead on a high fixed clock speed, and it requires a separate purchase for a cooling system. As a "K-series" chip, the...Read more

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tweakers.net
25/10/2017

The Coffee Lake-based Intel Core i3-8350K and i3-8100 represent a major shift, offering four cores and outperforming older i5 models with a 30-40% increase in multi-threaded tasks. While delivering high performance, the lineup initially required expensive Z370 motherboards. The i3-8350K provides high clock speeds and overclocking potential, yet its high price puts it in competition...Read more

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