Core i3-4100M vs Pentium Gold 4415Y

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-4100M vs Pentium Gold 4415Y FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-4100M vs Pentium Gold 4415Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-4100M

2013

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Pentium Gold 4415Y needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Pentium Gold 4415Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌8433.3% higher power demand at 512W vs 6W.

Pentium Gold 4415Y

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 512W, a 506W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,521 vs 2,531).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4100M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4100M better than Pentium Gold 4415Y?

Yes. Core i3-4100M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4100M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4100M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-4100M is the better buy right now. Core i3-4100M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Pentium Gold 4415Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4100M vs Pentium Gold 4415Y Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-4100M

The Core i3-4100M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,531 points. Launch price was $225.

Pentium Gold 4415Y

The Pentium Gold 4415Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,521 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4100M and Pentium Gold 4415Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the Core i3-4100M versus 1.6 GHz on the Pentium Gold 4415Y — a 43.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-4100M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-4100M uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium Gold 4415Y uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4100M scores 2,531 against the Pentium Gold 4415Y's 2,521 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4100M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4100M vs 2 MB on the Pentium Gold 4415Y.

Feature	Core i3-4100M	Pentium Gold 4415Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+56%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB+50%	2 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,531	2,521

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4100M uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium Gold 4415Y uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4100M	Pentium Gold 4415Y
Socket	PGA946	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4100M) / not specified (Pentium Gold 4415Y). The Core i3-4100M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Pentium Gold 4415Y requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4100M targets Mobile.