Core i3-9300T vs Core i7-4790T

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 i3-9300T vs Core i7-4790T 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 i3-9300T vs Core i7-4790T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9300T

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-4790T needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Intel Stock), unlike Core i7-4790T.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,323 vs 6,325).
❌
2% HIGHER MSRP
$309 MSRPvs$303 MSRP

Core i7-4790T

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $6 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $309 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-9300T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-9300T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790T better than Core i3-9300T?

Yes. Core i7-4790T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4790T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.9% 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 i7-4790T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790T is the better buy right now. Core i7-4790T comes in $6 cheaper on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 2.0% better value on MSRP (20.9 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9300T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9300T vs Core i7-4790T Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9300T

The Core i3-9300T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 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 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 6,323 points. Launch price was $143.

Core i7-4790T

The Core i7-4790T 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 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,325 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9300T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4790T's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-9300T versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4790T — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790T (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-9300T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4790T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9300T scores 6,323 against the Core i7-4790T's 6,325 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-4790T. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i3-9300T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4790T.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i7-4790T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+19%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	6,323	6,325
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,265	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9300T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4790T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i7-4790T
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-9300T) / not specified (Core i7-4790T). The Core i3-9300T includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-4790T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9300T targets Low Power Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i7-4790T
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9300T was priced at $309, while the Core i7-4790T came in at $303. On launch pricing ($309 vs $303), Core i7-4790T was $6 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9300T delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 20.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-4790T — making the Core i7-4790T the 2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9300T	Core i7-4790T
MSRP	$309	$303-2%
Performance per Dollar	20.5	20.9+2%
Release Date	2019	2014

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