Core i3-4160 vs Core i3-4330

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 i3-4160 vs Core i3-4330 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 i3-4160 vs Core i3-4330: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4160

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $21 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
✅Delivers 18.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 30.0 vs 25.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-4330.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i3-4330

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,482 vs 3,506).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.2 vs 30.0 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4160.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4160 better than Core i3-4330?

Yes. Core i3-4160 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4160 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i3-4160 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4160 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4160 comes in $21 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 18.8% better value on MSRP (30.0 vs 25.2 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4160 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4160 vs Core i3-4330 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4160

The Core i3-4160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,506 points. Launch price was $133.

Core i3-4330

The Core i3-4330 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,482 points. Launch price was $171.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4160 and Core i3-4330 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4160 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-4330 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-4160 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4160 scores 3,506 against the Core i3-4330's 3,482 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-4160. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4160 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330.

Feature	Core i3-4160	Core i3-4330
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,506	3,482
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1150 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-4160	Core i3-4330
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4330). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4160) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4330) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4160 targets Budget Desktop, Core i3-4330 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160 rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i3-4160	Core i3-4330
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4160 was priced at $117, while the Core i3-4330 came in at $138. On launch pricing ($117 vs $138), Core i3-4160 was $21 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4160 delivers 30.0 pts/$ vs 25.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-4330 — making the Core i3-4160 the 17.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4160	Core i3-4330
MSRP	$117-15%	$138
Performance per Dollar	30.0+19%	25.2
Release Date	2014	2013

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