Core i3-4370 vs Ryzen 9 5900X

Intel

Core i3-4370

2 Cores4 Thrd54 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2014
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

12 Cores24 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2020
Ryzen family
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Core i3-4370 vs Ryzen 9 5900X Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i3-4370 vs Ryzen 9 5900X 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 i3-4370 vs Ryzen 9 5900X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4370

2014

Why buy it

  • Costs $400 less on MSRP ($149 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
  • Draws 54W instead of 105W, a 51W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Ryzen 9 5900X needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 9 5900X.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 9 5900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,454 vs 21,000).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.9 vs 71.0 PassMark/$ ($149 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).

Ryzen 9 5900X

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +242.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +1500% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Delivers 174.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 71.0 vs 25.9 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $149 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 268.5% HIGHER MSRP
    $549 MSRPvs$149 MSRP
  • 94.4% higher power demand at 105W vs 54W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4370 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4370.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 5900X better than Core i3-4370?
Yes. Ryzen 9 5900X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 242.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 755.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 910.8% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Ryzen 9 5900X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 242.3% 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, Ryzen 9 5900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 755.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 1500% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 9 5900X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 9 5900X comes in 268.5% more expensive on MSRP at $549 MSRP versus $149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 242.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 174.3% better value on MSRP (71.0 vs 25.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 9 5900X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2014), 1500% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 24 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4370 vs Ryzen 9 5900X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-4370

The Core i3-4370 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 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 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: 3,854 points. Launch price was $242.

AMD

Ryzen 9 5900X

The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.

Processing Power

The Core i3-4370 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen 9 5900X has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-4370 versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 23.3% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i3-4370 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4370 scores 3,854 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 164% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 2,454 vs 21,000 (158.1% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 904 vs 2,174, a 82.5% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,071 vs 11,888 (140.7% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4370 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.

FeatureCore i3-4370Ryzen 9 5900X
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
12 / 24+500%
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4.8 GHz+26%
Base Clock
3.8 GHz+3%
3.7 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
64 MB+1500%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-68%
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
3,854
38,955+911%
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,454
21,000+756%
Geekbench 6 Single
904
2,174+140%
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,071
11,888+474%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4370 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4370 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — the Ryzen 9 5900X supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 5900X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-4370) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel H81,Intel B85,Intel H87,Intel Z87,Intel H97,Intel Z97 (Core i3-4370) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).

FeatureCore i3-4370Ryzen 9 5900X
Socket
LGA1150
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR4-3200+100%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-4370) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i3-4370 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.

FeatureCore i3-4370Ryzen 9 5900X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
AMD-V
Target Use
Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4370 was priced at $149, while the Ryzen 9 5900X came in at $549. On launch pricing ($149 vs $549), Core i3-4370 was $400 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4370 delivers 25.9 pts/$ vs 71.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 93.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-4370Ryzen 9 5900X
MSRP
$149-73%
$549
Performance per Dollar
25.9
71.0+174%
Release Date
2014
2020

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