Raspberry Pi 4 B (Broadcom BCM2711) vs Intel Core i3-4130

The Intel Core i3-4130, introduced in the third quarter of 2013, is a 22 nm Haswell S desktop processor with two cores and four threads.

It is aimed at users of entry-level PCs, office, and home use. The Raspberry Pi 4 B with its Broadcom BCM2711 chip, released in June 2019, is a 28 nm Cortex-A72 single-board computer with four cores and four threads. It is designed for hobbyists, educational projects, and embedded systems. The Intel Core i3-4130 offers significantly higher single-core and multi-core performance.

It features 26 GB/s memory bandwidth, 3 MB Level 3 Cache, and PCIe 3.0. The Broadcom BCM2711, on the other hand, has 13 GB/s bandwidth and 1 MB Level 2 Cache. For gaming, the Intel HD Graphics 4400 of the Intel Core i3-4130 is better suited for lighter titles. Its TDP is 54W and requires active cooling.

The Broadcom VideoCore VI graphics unit of the Broadcom BCM2711 is optimized for multimedia but insufficient for modern games. It is extremely energy-efficient, with a TDP of the entire Raspberry Pi 4 B board ranging from 5 to 7 watts under load, enabling fanless operation. The Intel Core i3-4130 is an older model primarily found on the used market.

The Raspberry Pi 4 B is new and cost-effective, offering excellent value for money for energy-efficient projects. The Intel is better suited for desktop tasks and light gaming; the Raspberry Pi excels with low power consumption, compactness, and versatility for specific projects or as a mini-PC.