Core i3-9320 vs Core i7-4950HQ

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 i3-9320 vs Core i7-4950HQ 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 i3-9320 vs Core i7-4950HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-9320

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,358 vs 7,405).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $154 MSRP, while Core i7-4950HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌31.9% higher power demand at 62W vs 47W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4950HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4950HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 62W, a 15W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 5200, while Core i3-9320 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-9320 better than Core i7-4950HQ?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-9320 is ahead with a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4950HQ pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-4950HQ 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 i7-4950HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 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 i3-9320 is the better buy right now. Core i3-9320 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $154 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-4950HQ is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (47.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-9320 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 i3-9320 vs Core i7-4950HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9320

The Core i3-9320 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 62 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,358 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-4950HQ

The Core i7-4950HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,405 points. Launch price was $657.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-9320 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4950HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-9320 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4950HQ — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-9320 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-9320 uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4950HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9320 scores 7,358 against the Core i7-4950HQ's 7,405 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4950HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9320 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4950HQ.

Feature	Core i3-9320	Core i7-4950HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+22%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+54%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	7,358	7,405
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,317
Geekbench 6 Single	—	842
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,317

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9320 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4950HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-9320	Core i7-4950HQ
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 i3-9320) / Yes (Core i7-4950HQ). The Core i7-4950HQ includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 5200), while the Core i3-9320 requires a dedicated GPU.