Intel Core i5-4590 vs Intel Core i3-8100

The Intel Core i5-4590, based on the Haswell S architecture, was introduced in the second quarter of 2014 and was aimed at mainstream desktop users.

It is manufactured by Intel using a 22 nm process and features 4 cores and 4 threads. Equipped with Intel HD Graphics 4600, it supports PCIe 3.0, offers 6 MB of Level 3 Cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. This processor is suitable for general office applications and basic multitasking.

The Intel Core i3-8100, based on the newer Coffee Lake S architecture, was launched in the fourth quarter of 2017 and targeted the entry-level to mainstream segment.

It is manufactured by Intel using a 14 nm process and also has 4 cores and 4 threads. The integrated graphics unit is Intel UHD Graphics 630. It supports PCIe 3.0, has 6 MB of Level 3 Cache, and a higher maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s, which contributes to improved data processing. In a direct performance comparison, the Intel Core i3-8100 shows noticeably better performance in both single-core and multi-core applications, exceeding that of the Intel Core i5-4590 by over 10 percent in benchmarks.

This is primarily due to the more modern architecture and the resulting improved Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) rate. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i3-8100 is more advantageous due to its better single-core performance. The TDP of the Intel Core i5-4590 is 84 watts, while the Intel Core i3-8100 operates more energy-efficiently at 65 watts.

The Intel Core i3-8100 offers a better overall package due to its more advanced technology and higher efficiency, while the Intel Core i5-4590 can be a cost-effective option for existing Haswell platforms.