3.5GHz vs 4.2GHz Clock Speed | Which Performs Better?

GHz (gigahertz) is the measurement for clock speed. Generally, a higher number of GHz means a faster clock speed. But it’s not necessarily always true. So, people often confuse between 3.5GHz and 4.2 GHz.

In truth, you won’t see much difference between 3.5 GHz and 4.2 GHz unless you’re really looking for it. However, a 4.2 GHz clock speed will perform better in most cases. But some differences let you get away with having only a 3.5GHz clock speed.

Here in this article, we will show you and also discuss these differences so you have a better understanding of which clock speed is suitable for you.

Differences Between 3.5GHz and 4.2GHz Clock Speed

The key difference that you can already see is the difference in speed. Some other differences are –

Features	3.5 GHz	4.2 GHz
Average Speed	Lower	Higher
CPU Usage	Higher	Lower
GPU Usage	Higher	Lower
Average FPS	Lower	Higher
Temperature	Lower	Higher
Price	Lower	Higher

These are the main differences you can see between these two clock speeds. Here, we will explain them in detail –

1. If the average clock speed is higher, the CPU will perform better. And between 3.5 GHz and 4.2 GHz clock speeds, the average speed of 4.2 GHz is usually higher. So, the 4.2GHz clock speed wins in this case.

2. The CPU continuously completes calculations to run apps, games, etc. And if the clock speed is high then the calculations are done much quicker. And as a result, the apps and games run faster and smoother.

But doing these calculations also puts pressure on the CPU. Lower CPU usage is always better because it lets the CPU run smoothly and does not create any hiccups. So, you can see in the chart above that 4.2 GHz takes the lead here as well.

3. GPU usage is very similar to CPU usage where lower usage is better. If the GPU usage goes too high then you will face lags and frame drops when gaming or performing tasks that require a lot from the GPU. 4.2 GHz wins here as well because of the low usage of GPU.

4. Having a high FPS means that the games you’re running will be smooth and lag-free which makes your gaming experience better. And a higher clock speed gives you a better average FPS. So, 4.2 GHz takes the win when gaming because of how high the FPS can go.

5. Controlling the temperature is very important in a PC. The temperature of the CPU needs to be always lower as high temperature can cause permanent damage to the CPU. 

Here, 3.5 GHz makes a comeback because it maintains the temperature and doesn’t let the CPU overheat. You can also save money by not investing in more coolers.

6. The pricing of the 3.5 GHz is generally lower than 4.2 GHz. And since the above differences are hard to tell apart, it is better to invest in 3.5 GHz.

Our Verdict

From what we’ve discussed so far, it is safe to say that when it comes to performance, 4.2 GHz is a much better choice. But looking at the price of both would make you question this choice. And besides, you will barely ever notice the frame drops and lags when running at 3.5 GHz clock speed.

So, if you want more performance from your CPU, go with 4.2 GHz. But if you want don’t want to invest in another cooler and save your wallet from exploding in general, go with a 3.5 GHz clock speed for your CPU.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest GHz processor?

The highest GHz processor was recorded at 9.05 GHz after overclocking. And the highest base GHz was recorded at 5.5 GHz.

Which is better, more cores or higher GHz?

Higher clock speed results in a faster processor. But having more cores can also benefit clock speed. So, to simplify, more cores will give you more GHz.

How much GHz processor do I need for gaming?

3.5 to 4.0 GHz is enough for all your gaming needs. Most games do not require you to go above 4.0 GHz.

Conclusion

Lastly, do remember that RAM can also affect the clock speed of a CPU. So, having higher RAM will benefit you whether you go with a 3.5 GHz or 4.2 GHz clock speed. We hope we were able to help you decide if 3.5 GHz or 4.2 GHz is better for you. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us in the comments.