Intel Core i5-4690 vs Intel Core i3-4170

The Intel Core i5-4690 and the Intel Core i3-4170 were introduced as desktop processors for different target groups.

While the Intel Core i5-4690 appeared in 2014 for the mid-range, the Intel Core i3-4170 followed in 2015 for the entry-level sector. Both are based on the Haswell S architecture and are manufactured using the 22-nanometer process. The Intel Core i5-4690 has four physical cores and 6 MB Level 3 cache, while the Intel Core i3-4170 uses two cores with Hyper-Threading and 3 MB Level 3 cache.

In benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-4690 offers significant advantages in both single-core and multi-core performance. In gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-4690 achieves more stable results than the Intel Core i3-4170 with Intel HD Graphics 4400, due to the higher core count and Intel HD Graphics 4600.

Both processors support PCIe 3.0 and a memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i3-4170 is more efficient in operation than the Intel Core i5-4690 due to its lower Thermal Design Power. In terms of price-performance ratio, the Intel Core i3-4170 offers a cost-effective solution for pure office computers, while the Intel Core i5-4690 combines a higher market value with better performance.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-4690 impresses with its versatility in demanding tasks and multitasking. The Intel Core i3-4170 plays to its strengths in simple, energy-efficient systems. For games and computationally intensive applications, the Intel Core i5-4690 is the recommended choice, while the Intel Core i3-4170 is sufficient for basic systems.