Core i3-8100 vs Core i7-4770HQ
Core i3-8100
Core i7-4770HQ
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 i3-8100 is positioned at rank 410 and the Core i7-4770HQ is on rank 338, so the Core i7-4770HQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8100
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4770HQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8100 | Core i7-4770HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Crystalwell (2013−2014) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8100 | Core i7-4770HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($45) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i3-8100 and Core i7-4770HQ
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.
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 | — |
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 28.6% 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 — 66.7% 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+33% | DDR3L-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 | — |
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