Core i3-8100 vs Core i7-4770HQ

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 i3-8100 vs Core i7-4770HQ 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 i3-8100 vs Core i7-4770HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8100

2017

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4770HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i7-4770HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌38.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 47W.

Core i7-4770HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 65W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,028 vs 6,073).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-8100.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8100 better than Core i7-4770HQ?

Yes. Core i3-8100 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better 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, Core i3-8100 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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, Core i3-8100 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8100 is the better buy right now. Core i3-8100 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (51.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-8100 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8100 vs Core i7-4770HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8100

The Core i3-8100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,073 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i7-4770HQ

The Core i7-4770HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,028 points. Launch price was $434.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8100 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4770HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8100 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4770HQ — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-8100 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i3-8100 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4770HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8100 scores 6,073 against the Core i7-4770HQ's 6,028 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-8100. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-8100 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770HQ.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i7-4770HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+6%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+64%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	6,073	6,028
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,249
Geekbench 6 Single	1,200	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8100 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4770HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8100 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4770HQ — the Core i3-8100 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8100 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: B360,H310,H370,Z370,Z390 (Core i3-8100) and Mobile (Core i7-4770HQ).

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i7-4770HQ
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8100) and Iris Pro Graphics 5200 (Core i7-4770HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8100 targets Budget Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-8100	Core i7-4770HQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Iris Pro Graphics 5200
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget Desktop	—