Core i3-4160 vs Pentium G4560

Intel

Core i3-4160

2 Cores4 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G4560

2 Cores4 Thrd51 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i3-4160 vs Pentium G4560 Performance Spectrum

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 i3-4160 vs Pentium G4560 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 Pentium G4560: 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

  • Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Pentium G4560.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (3,506 vs 3,536).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 30.0 vs 55.3 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G4560

2017

Why buy it

  • +0.9% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $53 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Delivers 84.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.3 vs 30.0 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
  • Draws 51W instead of 54W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-4160 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4160.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G4560 better than Core i3-4160?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4160 is ahead with a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G4560 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G4560 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Pentium G4560 is the better buy right now. Pentium G4560 comes in $53 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.9% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i3-4160 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 84.4% better value on MSRP (55.3 vs 30.0 PassMark/$), 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 G4560 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014) 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 Pentium G4560 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Pentium G4560

The Pentium G4560 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) 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: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133/2400, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,536 points. Launch price was $108.

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4160 and Pentium G4560 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 Pentium G4560 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-4160 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i3-4160 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Pentium G4560 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4160 scores 3,506 against the Pentium G4560's 3,536 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium G4560. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-4160Pentium G4560
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)
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
3,506
3,536
Geekbench 6 Single
1,100
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4160 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G4560 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4160 versus DDR4-2400 on the Pentium G4560 — the Pentium G4560 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G4560 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i3-4160Pentium G4560
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR4-2400+50%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
64 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160) vs VT-x, VT-d (Pentium G4560). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4160) and HD Graphics 610 (Pentium G4560) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4160 targets Budget Desktop, Pentium G4560 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160 rivals FX-6300.

FeatureCore i3-4160Pentium G4560
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 4400
HD Graphics 610
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget Desktop
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4160 was priced at $117, while the Pentium G4560 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($117 vs $64), Pentium G4560 was $53 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4160 delivers 30.0 pts/$ vs 55.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G4560 — making the Pentium G4560 the 59.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-4160Pentium G4560
MSRP
$117
$64-45%
Performance per Dollar
30.0
55.3+84%
Release Date
2014
2017

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