Core i3-4170 vs Core i3-4360

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 i3-4170 vs Core i3-4360 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 i3-4170 vs Core i3-4360: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4170

2014

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,626 vs 3,639).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i3-4360 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-4360

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,128 vs 1,140).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4360 better than Core i3-4170?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4170 is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4360 pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i3-4360 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4360 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-4360 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-4360 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i3-4170 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (31.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i3-4360 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) 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 i3-4170 vs Core i3-4360 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4170

The Core i3-4170 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,626 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i3-4360

The Core i3-4360 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 3,639 points. Launch price was $352.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4170 and Core i3-4360 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-4170 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-4360 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4170 scores 3,626 against the Core i3-4360's 3,639 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4360. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,140 vs 1,128, a 1.1% lead for the Core i3-4170 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4360.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Core i3-4360
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 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	3,626	3,639
Geekbench 6 Single	1,140+1%	1,128
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,897	—

🧠

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. Chipset compatibility: LGA1150 (Core i3-4170) and H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4360).

Feature	Core i3-4170	Core i3-4360
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

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4170) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4360). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4170) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4360) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4360 targets Mainstream Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4360 rivals Core i3-6100.