Core i3-4170 vs Xeon W3580

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 Xeon W3580 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 Xeon W3580: 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

✅Costs $177 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 150.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.0 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 54W instead of 130W, a 76W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Xeon W3580 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon W3580 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,626 vs 3,638).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W3580, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads.

Xeon W3580

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 31.0 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌140.7% higher power demand at 130W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4170 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4170.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon W3580 better than Core i3-4170?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W3580 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i3-4170 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon W3580 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% 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, Xeon W3580 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Xeon W3580 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon W3580 comes in 151.3% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-4170 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 150.5% better value on paper (31.0 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4170 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4170 vs Xeon W3580 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.

Xeon W3580

The Xeon W3580 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 August 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,638 points. Launch price was $215.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4170 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon W3580 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Xeon W3580 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-4170 versus 3.6 GHz on the Xeon W3580 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-4170 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core i3-4170 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon W3580 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4170 scores 3,626 against the Xeon W3580's 3,638 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon W3580. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170 vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon W3580.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Xeon W3580
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+3%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+11%	3.33 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,626	3,638
Geekbench 6 Single	1,140	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,897	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4170 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W3580 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Xeon W3580
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4170) / not specified (Xeon W3580). The Core i3-4170 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Xeon W3580 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Xeon W3580
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4400	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4170 was priced at $117, while the Xeon W3580 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($117 vs $294), Core i3-4170 was $177 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4170 delivers 31.0 pts/$ vs 12.4 pts/$ for the Xeon W3580 — making the Core i3-4170 the 85.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4170	Xeon W3580
MSRP	$117-60%	$294
Performance per Dollar	31.0+150%	12.4
Release Date	2014	2009

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