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 i3-8300T vs Core i5-4590 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 i3-8300T vs Core i5-4590: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8300T

2018

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $54 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Delivers 39.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.0 vs 28.0 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 84W, a 49W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4590 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590.

Core i5-4590

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-8300T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,376 vs 5,378).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 28.0 vs 39.0 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌140% higher power demand at 84W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8300T better than Core i5-4590?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4590 is ahead with a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8300T pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark. Core i3-8300T also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8300T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i3-8300T is the better buy right now. Core i3-8300T comes in $54 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-4590 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 39.2% better value on MSRP (39.0 vs 28.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-8300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8300T vs Core i5-4590 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8300T

The Core i3-8300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,378 points. Launch price was $138.

Core i5-4590

The Core i5-4590 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 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,376 points. Launch price was $202.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-8300T and Core i5-4590 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-8300T versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i3-8300T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4590 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8300T scores 5,378 against the Core i5-4590's 5,376 — a 0% lead for the Core i3-8300T. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i3-8300T vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4590.

Feature	Core i3-8300T	Core i5-4590
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.7 GHz+16%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+33%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	5,378	5,376
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,100

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4590 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8300T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4590 — the Core i3-8300T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8300T 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.

Feature	Core i3-8300T	Core i5-4590
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8300T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-8300T) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8300T targets Desktop, Core i5-4590 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i3-8300T	Core i5-4590
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-8300T was priced at $138, while the Core i5-4590 came in at $192. On launch pricing ($138 vs $192), Core i3-8300T was $54 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-8300T delivers 39.0 pts/$ vs 28.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-4590 — making the Core i3-8300T the 32.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-8300T	Core i5-4590
MSRP	$138-28%	$192
Performance per Dollar	39.0+39%	28.0
Release Date	2018	2014

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