CPU
GPU
Core i3-4350
Core i3-4170
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 i3-4350 is positioned at rank 657 and the Core i3-4170 is on rank 585, so the Core i3-4170 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4350
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4170
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4350 | Core i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4350 | Core i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+226%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($130) | ✅ More affordable ($40) |
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 i3-4350 and Core i3-4170
Core i3-4350
The Core i3-4350 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 3.6 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: 3,611 points. Launch price was $170.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-4350 and Core i3-4170 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4350 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-4170 — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-4170 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). Both are built on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-4350 scores 3,611 against the Core i3-4170's 3,626 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4170. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 951 vs 1,140, a 18.1% lead for the Core i3-4170 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,827 vs 1,897 (3.8% advantage for the Core i3-4170). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4350 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170.
| Feature | Core i3-4350 | Core i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.7 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.7 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 | 3,611 | 3,626 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 951 | 1,140+20% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,827 | 1,897+4% |
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. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4350) and LGA1150 (Core i3-4170).
| Feature | Core i3-4350 | Core i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Core i3-4350) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4170). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4350) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4170) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4350 targets Office Desktop.
| Feature | Core i3-4350 | Core i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Office Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4350 launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i3-4170 debuted at $117. At current prices ($130 vs $40), the Core i3-4170 is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4350 delivers 27.8 pts/$ vs 90.7 pts/$ for the Core i3-4170 — making the Core i3-4170 the 106.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4350 | Core i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138 | $117-15% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $130 | $40-69% |
| Performance per Dollar | 27.8 | 90.7+226% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2014 |
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