Core i3-4158U vs Phenom X4 9850B

Core i3-4158U vs Phenom X4 9850B Performance Spectrum

Core i3-4158U

2 / 4

1,921

0.0%

1,946

+1.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-4158U vs Phenom X4 9850B 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 i3-4158U vs Phenom X4 9850B: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4158U

2013

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Graphics 5100, while Phenom X4 9850B needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,921 vs 1,946).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom X4 9850B

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4158U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X4 9850B better than Core i3-4158U?

Yes. Phenom X4 9850B is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom X4 9850B is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Phenom X4 9850B is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom X4 9850B still makes the most sense overall. Phenom X4 9850B comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-4158U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4158U vs Phenom X4 9850B Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4158U

The Core i3-4158U 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 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,921 points. Launch price was $315.

Phenom X4 9850B

The Phenom X4 9850B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,946 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4158U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9850B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9850B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i3-4158U versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom X4 9850B — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9850B. The Core i3-4158U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom X4 9850B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4158U scores 1,921 against the Phenom X4 9850B's 1,946 — a 1.3% lead for the Phenom X4 9850B. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4158U vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9850B.

Feature	Core i3-4158U	Phenom X4 9850B
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.5 GHz+25%
Base Clock	2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-66%	65 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,921	1,946+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	457	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4158U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom X4 9850B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4158U	Phenom X4 9850B
Socket	FCBGA1168	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i3-4158U) / not specified (Phenom X4 9850B). The Core i3-4158U includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Graphics 5100), while the Phenom X4 9850B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4158U targets Multimedia.