Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i3-4170

The Intel Core i7-4790 was designed as a high-end processor for demanding users and workstations. It is based on the Haswell S architecture and is manufactured using the 22-nanometer process.

With four physical cores and eight threads, it provides a good foundation for parallel tasks. In synthetic measurements, the Intel Core i7-4790 shows higher computing power compared to the smaller model, especially in applications that utilize several cores simultaneously. The larger Level 3 cache of 8 MB supports data throughput efficiently.

In games, the processor benefits from its higher thread count, which leads to more stable frame rates in computationally intensive titles. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles basic graphical needs. The thermal design power is in the typical range for desktop systems. It is a suitable choice for users who need reserves for video editing or complex calculations.

The Intel Core i3-4170 is a mid-range processor developed for office applications and simple multimedia tasks.

It also uses the Haswell S architecture and the 22-nanometer manufacturing process, but only has two physical cores and four threads. In single-core performance tests, it lags behind the i7 model but provides sufficient speed for standard tasks. Multi-core performance is significantly lower by design, which limits its suitability for modern parallelized software.

With the Intel HD Graphics 4400, a simple solution for image output is integrated. One advantage of the Intel Core i3-4170 is the lower thermal design power, which allows for quieter cooling. The price-performance ratio is attractive for basic systems, as the acquisition costs are often lower.

Due to the limited number of cores, it is less suitable for demanding games.