Core i3-4150 vs Core i7-960
Core i3-4150
Core i7-960
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-4150 is positioned at rank 960 and the Core i7-960 is on rank 979, so the Core i3-4150 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4150
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-960
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4150 | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($70) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4150 | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+57%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($70) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-4150 and Core i7-960
Core i3-4150
The Core i3-4150 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,406 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i7-960
The Core i7-960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 3,400 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4150 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-960 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-960 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-4150 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-960 — a 1.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-4150 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-4150 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-960 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4150 scores 3,406 against the Core i7-960's 3,400 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4150. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4150 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-960.
| Feature | Core i3-4150 | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz+1% | 3.46 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+9% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,406 | 3,400 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,071 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4150 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-960 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-4150 | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4150) / not specified (Core i7-960). The Core i3-4150 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i7-960 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4150 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4150 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i3-4150 | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4400 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4150 launched at $281 MSRP, while the Core i7-960 debuted at $309. At current prices ($70 vs $110), the Core i3-4150 is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4150 delivers 48.7 pts/$ vs 30.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-960 — making the Core i3-4150 the 44.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4150 | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $281-9% | $309 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $70-36% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 48.7+58% | 30.9 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2009 |
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