Core i3-9100HL vs Core i3-4160
Core i3-9100HL
Core i3-4160
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-9100HL
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4160
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-9100HL | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($52) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-9100HL | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+95%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) | ✅ More affordable ($52) |
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 i3-9100HL and Core i3-4160
Core i3-9100HL
The Core i3-9100HL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,454 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-4160
The Core i3-4160 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 3,506 points. Launch price was $133.
Processing Power
The Core i3-9100HL packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4160 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-9100HL has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4160 — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-4160 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-9100HL uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-4160 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100HL scores 3,454 against the Core i3-4160's 3,506 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i3-4160. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,037 vs 1,100, a 5.9% lead for the Core i3-4160 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100HL vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4160.
| Feature | Core i3-9100HL | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz+125% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+100% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,454 | 3,506+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,037 | 1,100+6% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,373 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-9100HL uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-4160 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i3-9100HL versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4160 — the Core i3-9100HL supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100HL 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: Intel 300 Series (Core i3-9100HL) and H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4160).
| Feature | Core i3-9100HL | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1440 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4 2666 MHz+33% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-9100HL) vs VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9100HL) and HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4160) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100HL targets Embedded, Core i3-4160 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i3-9100HL | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, EPT |
| Target Use | Embedded | Budget Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-9100HL launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i3-4160 debuted at $117. At current prices ($100 vs $52), the Core i3-4160 is $48 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100HL delivers 34.5 pts/$ vs 67.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-4160 — making the Core i3-4160 the 64.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-9100HL | Core i3-4160 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $117-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100 | $52-48% |
| Performance per Dollar | 34.5 | 67.4+95% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2014 |
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