Core i3-4330 vs Core i3-4160
Core i3-4330
Core i3-4160
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 i3-4330 is positioned at rank 687 and the Core i3-4160 is on rank 596, so the Core i3-4160 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4330
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4160
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4330 | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($52) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4330 | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+16%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) | ✅ More affordable ($52) |
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 i3-4330 and Core i3-4160
Core i3-4330
The Core i3-4330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 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: 3,482 points. Launch price was $171.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-4330 and Core i3-4160 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-4330 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4160 — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-4160 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4330 scores 3,482 against the Core i3-4160's 3,506 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-4160. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4160.
| Feature | Core i3-4330 | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,482 | 3,506 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,100 |
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.
| Feature | Core i3-4330 | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4330) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4330) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4160) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4330 targets Desktop, Core i3-4160 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i3-4330 | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | Desktop | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4330 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i3-4160 debuted at $117. At current prices ($60 vs $52), the Core i3-4160 is $8 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4330 delivers 58.0 pts/$ vs 67.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-4160 — making the Core i3-4160 the 15% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4330 | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $117-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $60 | $52-13% |
| Performance per Dollar | 58.0 | 67.4+16% |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2014 |
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