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 i3-4340 vs Core i3-9100HL 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 i3-4340 vs Core i3-9100HL: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4340

2013

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 52.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.4 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-9100HL.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,024 vs 1,037).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌116% higher power demand at 54W vs 25W.

Core i3-9100HL

2019

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 54W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,454 vs 3,490).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 23.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4340.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9100HL better than Core i3-4340?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-9100HL is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4340 pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark. Core i3-9100HL also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4340 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-9100HL is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-9100HL comes in 51.0% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-4340 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 52.6% better value on paper (23.4 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9100HL makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013) and 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4340 vs Core i3-9100HL Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4340

The Core i3-4340 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 3,490 points. Launch price was $210.

Core i3-9100HL

The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-4340 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-9100HL offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-9100HL has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4340 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-4340 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-4340 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-9100HL uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4340 scores 3,490 against the Core i3-9100HL's 3,454 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-4340. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,024 vs 1,037, a 1.3% lead for the Core i3-9100HL that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4340 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL.

Feature	Core i3-4340	Core i3-9100HL
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+24%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+125%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	3,490+1%	3,454
Geekbench 6 Single	1,024	1,037+1%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,373

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4340 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-9100HL uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4340 versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i3-9100HL — the Core i3-9100HL supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100HL supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4340) and Intel 300 Series (Core i3-9100HL).

Feature	Core i3-4340	Core i3-9100HL
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4 2666 MHz+67%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4340) vs true (Core i3-9100HL). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4340) and Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9100HL) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4340 targets Mainstream Desktop, Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4340 rivals FX-6350.

Feature	Core i3-4340	Core i3-9100HL
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Mainstream Desktop	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4340 was priced at $149, while the Core i3-9100HL came in at $225. On launch pricing ($149 vs $225), Core i3-4340 was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4340 delivers 23.4 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-9100HL — making the Core i3-4340 the 41.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4340	Core i3-9100HL
MSRP	$149-34%	$225
Performance per Dollar	23.4+52%	15.4
Release Date	2013	2019

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