Core i3-9100E vs Core i7-4770R

Intel

Core i3-9100E

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4770R

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i3-9100E vs Core i7-4770R 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 i3-9100E vs Core i7-4770R 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 i3-9100E vs Core i7-4770R: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100E

2018

Why buy it

  • Costs $158 less on MSRP ($202 MSRP vs $360 MSRP).
  • Delivers 77.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 32.4 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($202 MSRP vs $360 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4770R across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (6,539 vs 6,561).
  • 38.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 47W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4770R can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4770R

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +16.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 47W instead of 65W, a 18W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 5200, while Core i3-9100E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 32.4 PassMark/$ ($360 MSRP vs $202 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4770R better than Core i3-9100E?
Yes. Core i7-4770R is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 16.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4770R is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 16.8% 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 i7-4770R is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4770R is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4770R comes in 78.2% more expensive on MSRP at $360 MSRP versus $202 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9100E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 77.6% better value on paper (32.4 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i3-9100E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9100E vs Core i7-4770R Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i3-9100E

The Core i3-9100E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 6,539 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i7-4770R

The Core i7-4770R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,561 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-9100E packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4770R's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i3-9100E versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4770R — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-4770R (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-9100E uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4770R uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100E scores 6,539 against the Core i7-4770R's 6,561 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-4770R. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i3-9100ECore i7-4770R
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
3.9 GHz+5%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.2 GHz+3%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
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
6,539
6,561
Geekbench 6 Single
1,163
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,204
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4770R uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i3-9100ECore i7-4770R
Socket
LGA1151
BGA1364
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-9100E) / Yes (Core i7-4770R). The Core i7-4770R includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 5200), while the Core i3-9100E requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureCore i3-9100ECore i7-4770R
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Pro Graphics 5200
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
Yes
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100E was priced at $202, while the Core i7-4770R came in at $360. On launch pricing ($202 vs $360), Core i3-9100E was $158 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100E delivers 32.4 pts/$ vs 18.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-4770R — making the Core i3-9100E the 55.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i3-9100ECore i7-4770R
MSRP
$202-44%
$360
Performance per Dollar
32.4+78%
18.2
Release Date
2018
2013

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