Core i3-4130T vs Core i7-920

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 i3-4130T vs Core i7-920 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 i3-4130T vs Core i7-920: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4130T

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $160 less on MSRP ($124 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅Delivers 129.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.2 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($124 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Core i7-920 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-920 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌3400% higher power demand at 35W vs 1W.

Core i7-920

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 1W instead of 35W, a 34W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,866 vs 2,876).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.1 vs 23.2 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $124 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4130T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4130T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4130T better than Core i7-920?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-920 is ahead with a 5.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4130T pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-920 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4130T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4130T is the better buy right now. Core i3-4130T comes in $160 cheaper on MSRP at $124 MSRP versus $284 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-920 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 129.8% better value on MSRP (23.2 vs 10.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-4130T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4130T vs Core i7-920 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4130T

The Core i3-4130T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,876 points. Launch price was $270.

Core i7-920

The Core i7-920 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,866 points. Launch price was $340.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4130T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-920 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-920 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-4130T versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-920 — a 1% clock advantage for the Core i7-920 (base: 2.9 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-4130T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-920 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4130T scores 2,876 against the Core i7-920's 2,866 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-4130T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4130T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-920.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-920
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	2.93 GHz+1%
Base Clock	2.9 GHz+9%	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	2,876	2,866
Geekbench 6 Single	890	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4130T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-920 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-920
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4130T) / not specified (Core i7-920). The Core i3-4130T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i7-920 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4130T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4130T rivals A8-7600.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-920
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4130T was priced at $124, while the Core i7-920 came in at $284. On launch pricing ($124 vs $284), Core i3-4130T was $160 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4130T delivers 23.2 pts/$ vs 10.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-920 — making the Core i3-4130T the 78.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4130T	Core i7-920
MSRP	$124-56%	$284
Performance per Dollar	23.2+130%	10.1
Release Date	2013	2008

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