Intel Core i3-9350K
Intel Core i3-9350K: Review and Relevance in 2025
April 2025
Despite the fact that the Intel Core i3-9350K processor was released back in 2019, it is still found in budget builds and systems for specific tasks. In this article, we will examine whether it is worth considering in 2025, what its strengths and limitations are, as well as how to effectively build a PC based on it.
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
Coffee Lake Architecture and 14 nm Process
The Core i3-9350K is based on the Coffee Lake architecture and is manufactured using a 14-nm process. In 2025, this technology is already outdated—modern Intel and AMD processors utilize 7-nm and 5-nm standards, which provide better energy efficiency and transistor density. However, for its age, the i3-9350K demonstrates respectable performance due to its high clock speeds: 4.0 GHz base and 4.6 GHz in turbo mode.
Performance: Geekbench and Real-World Tasks
- Geekbench 6:
- Single-core test: 1408 — a score comparable to budget CPUs from 2023-2024 (e.g., AMD Ryzen 3 7300X).
- Multi-core test: 3404 — a modest result due to the lack of Hyper-Threading (4 cores / 4 threads).
In real-world scenarios, the processor handles office applications, web browsing, and light video editing (1080p in Premiere Pro). For gaming, it is suitable only when paired with a discrete graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or similar.
Key Features
- Unlocked Multiplier: Overclocking capability—a rare feature for i3 processors.
- Integrated UHD 630 Graphics: Supports 4K @ 60 Hz, which is beneficial for media centers.
- Availability: In 2025, the price of a new processor is $90–110, making it one of the cheapest overclockable CPUs.
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the LGA 1151 (v2) socket. Suitable chipsets include:
- Z390: For overclocking (e.g., ASUS ROG Strix Z390-F, $130–150).
- B365 / H370: Without overclocking but with support for USB 3.1 and RAID (ASRock B365M Pro4, $80–100).
Important! Motherboards with 300-series chipsets are still available on the market, but their selection is diminishing. When purchasing, check for compatibility with BIOS version P4.20 or newer.
3. Supported Memory
The i3-9350K works with DDR4-2400/2666 MHz (officially). In practice, when overclocked, modules of up to 3200 MHz can be used, but stability will depend on the motherboard.
- Maximum capacity: 64 GB (2 channels).
- Recommendations: The optimal choice is 2x8 GB DDR4-2666 (e.g., Kingston Fury Beast, $45).
Important: There is no support for DDR5—this is a major limitation for builds in 2025, where DDR5 has become the standard.
4. Power Supply Units
With a TDP of 91 W and overclocking, power consumption can reach 120–130 W. Recommendations:
- Without a discrete graphics card: PSU with 300–400 W (Be Quiet! Pure Power 11 400W, $55).
- With a graphics card (e.g., GTX 1660): PSU with 500–600 W (Corsair CX550M, $65).
Avoid cheap noname power supplies—unstable power can damage an overclocked CPU.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low Price: 30-40% cheaper than modern analogs.
- Overclocking Potential: Up to 5.0 GHz with good cooling.
- Integrated Graphics: Doesn't require a separate graphics card for basic tasks.
Cons:
- 4 Threads: Not suitable for multi-threaded tasks (rendering, streaming).
- Outdated Process Technology: Higher heat and power consumption.
- No PCIe 4.0/5.0: A limitation for modern SSDs and graphics cards.
6. Use Cases
- Office and Multimedia: Ideal for working with documents, YouTube, and light photo editing.
- Gaming: Only in combination with a graphics card. Example: CS2 — 150 FPS (1080p, low settings), Fortnite — 60–70 FPS (1080p, medium).
- Home Server: Low power consumption and support for virtualization (VT-x).
7. Comparison with Competitors
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300X (2020):
- 4 cores / 8 threads, 3.8–4.3 GHz.
- Better multi-threaded performance, but more expensive ($120–130).
- Intel Core i3-12100F (2022):
- 4 cores / 8 threads, 5-nm process.
- 30% higher performance, price $110–130.
Conclusion: The i3-9350K is relevant only when on a strict budget or when compatible components are available.
8. Assembly Tips
1. Cooling: Use coolers like the DeepCool Gammaxx 400 ($25) for overclocking.
2. Motherboard: Choose Z390 with VRM heatsinks (e.g., MSI Z390-A Pro).
3. Memory: DDR4-2666 with CL16 timings.
4. Upgrade: Consider moving to a Core i5-9600K (6 cores / 6 threads, $150) for gaming.
9. Final Conclusion: Who Should Choose the i3-9350K?
This processor is worth selecting if:
- Budget up to $300: For an office PC or media center.
- Existing old components: For example, an LGA 1151 motherboard.
- Need a temporary CPU: With plans to upgrade to a more powerful model.
In 2025, the i3-9350K is a niche solution. It lags behind modern analogs but remains a workhorse for less demanding tasks. If you are not chasing new technologies and want to save money—this CPU can still serve a purpose.