Core i3-4170T vs FX-4170
Core i3-4170T
FX-4170
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-4170T is positioned at rank 645 and the FX-4170 is on rank 796, so the Core i3-4170T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4170T
Performance Per Dollar FX-4170
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4170T | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($17) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($23) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4170T | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($17) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($23) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-4170T and FX-4170
Core i3-4170T
The Core i3-4170T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,133 points. Launch price was $69.
FX-4170
The FX-4170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 February 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,121 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4170T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4170 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4170 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-4170T versus 4.3 GHz on the FX-4170 — a 29.3% clock advantage for the FX-4170 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i3-4170T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-4170 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4170T scores 3,133 against the FX-4170's 3,121 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4170T. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170T vs 8192 kB on the FX-4170.
| Feature | Core i3-4170T | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz+34% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz+31% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8192 kB+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 3,133 | 3,121 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 800 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4170T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4170 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-4170T | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4170T) / not specified (FX-4170). The Core i3-4170T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the FX-4170 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4170T targets Low Power Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-4170T | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4400 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4170T launched at $117 MSRP, while the FX-4170 debuted at $157. At current prices ($17 vs $23), the Core i3-4170T is $6 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4170T delivers 184.3 pts/$ vs 135.7 pts/$ for the FX-4170 — making the Core i3-4170T the 30.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4170T | FX-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-25% | $157 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $17-26% | $23 |
| Performance per Dollar | 184.3+36% | 135.7 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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