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 i5-2380P 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 i5-2380P: 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

✅Better for gaming: +5.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $60 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 95W, a 41W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Core i5-2380P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,626 vs 3,636).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-2380P

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-4170 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 31.0 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌75.9% higher power demand at 95W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4170 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4170 better than Core i5-2380P?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4170 is ahead with a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2380P pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i5-2380P also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2380P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-4170 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4170 comes in $60 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2380P is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.3% better PassMark. It is also 50.9% better value on MSRP (31.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4170 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4170 vs Core i5-2380P 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 i5-2380P

The Core i5-2380P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,636 points. Launch price was $180.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4170 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-2380P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2380P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-4170 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2380P — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-4170 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i3-4170 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2380P uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4170 scores 3,626 against the Core i5-2380P's 3,636 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2380P. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,140 vs 624, a 58.5% lead for the Core i3-4170 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2380P.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Core i5-2380P
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+9%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+19%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,626	3,636
Geekbench 6 Single	1,140+83%	624
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,897	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4170 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2380P uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4170 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2380P — the Core i3-4170 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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 H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2380P).

Feature	Core i3-4170	Core i5-2380P
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4170) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2380P). The Core i3-4170 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i5-2380P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2380P targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2380P rivals FX-4100.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Core i5-2380P
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	—
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, EPT
Target Use	—	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4170 was priced at $117, while the Core i5-2380P came in at $177. On launch pricing ($117 vs $177), Core i3-4170 was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4170 delivers 31.0 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-2380P — making the Core i3-4170 the 40.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Core i5-2380P
MSRP	$117-34%	$177
Performance per Dollar	31.0+51%	20.5
Release Date	2014	2012

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