How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i7-8700K scores 36.4/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-8700K wins 17.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i7-8700K?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 42% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 95 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $359. Intel Core i7-8700K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 37 vs 20; Stronger multi-core score: 35 vs 20; 415% higher PassMark: 13,900 vs 2,700; 384% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,200 vs 1,900; 300% higher L3 cache: 12 MB vs 3 MB.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i7-8700K?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $359 for the Intel Core i7-8700K.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i7-8700K

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-8700K

$359

20Single-core37.3

20.4Multi-core34.7

20Gamingspec-based38.5

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322017 spec wins — Intel Core i7-8700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-8700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 36.4 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+17) and multi-core (+14). Intel Core i3-3220 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-3220

42% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 95 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $359

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-8700K

Stronger single-core score: 37 vs 20
Stronger multi-core score: 35 vs 20
415% higher PassMark: 13,900 vs 2,700
384% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,200 vs 1,900
300% higher L3 cache: 12 MB vs 3 MB

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-8700K
Announced	2012	2017
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151-v2
Process	22 nm	14 nm+36%
Base TDP	55 W+42%	95 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-8700K
Cores	2	6+200%
Performance cores	2	6+200%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	12+200%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.7 GHz+12%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4.7 GHz+42%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+200%
L3 cache	3 MB	12 MB+300%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-8700K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-8700K
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2666
Max memory	32 GB	64 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-8700K
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-8700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-8700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Bottom 2%	1,560+97%Bottom 33%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Bottom 2%	6,800+295%Bottom 35%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Bottom 1%	1,270+66%Bottom 29%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Bottom 1%	9,200+384%Bottom 32%
PassMark	2,700Bottom 2%	13,900+415%Bottom 23%

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