Core i3-9100TE vs Core i5-4430

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 i3-9100TE vs Core i5-4430 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 i3-9100TE vs Core i5-4430: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9100TE

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $60 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.6 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 84W, a 49W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-4430 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,589 vs 4,653).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4430.

Core i5-4430

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-9100TE.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.6 vs 37.6 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌140% higher power demand at 84W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4430 better than Core i3-9100TE?

Yes. Core i5-4430 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-4430 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.9% 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 i5-4430 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4430 is still the better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4430 comes in 49.2% more expensive on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9100TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 4,589 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Core i3-9100TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9100TE vs Core i5-4430 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100TE

The Core i3-9100TE 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 4,589 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-4430

The Core i5-4430 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 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 4,653 points. Launch price was $182.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-9100TE and Core i5-4430 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100TE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-9100TE uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4430 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100TE scores 4,589 against the Core i5-4430's 4,653 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-4430. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i5-4430
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3 GHz+36%
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	4,589	4,653+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,015

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4430 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9100TE versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4430 — the Core i3-9100TE supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE	Core i5-4430
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 (Core i3-9100TE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4430). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9100TE) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4430) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100TE targets Embedded, Core i5-4430 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430 rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i5-4430
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Embedded	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100TE was priced at $122, while the Core i5-4430 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($122 vs $182), Core i3-9100TE was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100TE delivers 37.6 pts/$ vs 25.6 pts/$ for the Core i5-4430 — making the Core i3-9100TE the 38.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i5-4430
MSRP	$122-33%	$182
Performance per Dollar	37.6+47%	25.6
Release Date	2019	2013

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