Intel Core i5-4460 vs Intel Core i3-8100

The Intel Core i5-4460 (Haswell S, 22 nm, 2014) and the Intel Core i3-8100 (Coffee Lake S, 14 nm, 2017) are both Intel desktop processors, each with four cores and four threads.

The Intel Core i5-4460 was designed for the mid-range market, while the Intel Core i3-8100 was positioned as a more powerful entry-level to mid-range processor. Both support PCIe 3.0 and feature 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. In terms of performance, the Intel Core i3-8100 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i5-4460.

Thanks to its newer Coffee Lake S architecture and the more advanced 14 nm manufacturing process, the Intel Core i3-8100 delivers over 10 percent higher performance in single-core and multi-core benchmarks. This results in noticeably more responsive system performance and more efficient application execution.

For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i3-8100 is also the better choice, as its higher single-core performance is crucial for many games. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 also offers better graphics performance than the Intel HD Graphics 4600 of the Intel Core i5-4460.

The Intel Core i3-8100 is also more energy-efficient due to its smaller manufacturing process, leading to potentially lower power consumption and easier cooling. The maximum memory bandwidth of the Intel Core i3-8100 is 38 GB/s, compared to 26 GB/s for the Intel Core i5-4460, which enables faster data processing.

In the used market, the Intel Core i3-8100 offers better value for money due to its superior performance and efficiency. For most use cases, including gaming and general productivity, the Intel Core i3-8100 is the clear recommendation. It offers more modern and significantly stronger performance with better energy efficiency.

The Intel Core i5-4460 is only worth considering as a cost-effective replacement part for an older Haswell system.