Core i7-4600U vs FX-4130

Intel

Core i7-4600U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

FX-4130

4 Cores4 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2012
Similar parts
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Core i7-4600U vs FX-4130 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 i7-4600U vs FX-4130 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 i7-4600U vs FX-4130: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4600U

2013

Why buy it

  • +0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-4130 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 309.6% higher power demand at 512W vs 125W.

FX-4130

2012

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +5.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 125W instead of 512W, a 387W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,718 vs 2,720).
  • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Core i7-4600U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-4130 better than Core i7-4600U?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-4130 is ahead with a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4600U pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4600U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
FX-4130 is the better buy right now. FX-4130 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-4600U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (27.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4600U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4600U vs FX-4130 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4600U

The Core i7-4600U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,720 points. Launch price was $398.

AMD

FX-4130

The FX-4130 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 August 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,718 points. Launch price was $112.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4600U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-4130 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4130 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4600U versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-4130 — a 16.7% clock advantage for the FX-4130 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-4600U uses the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-4130 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4600U scores 2,720 against the FX-4130's 2,718 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4600U.

FeatureCore i7-4600UFX-4130
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
3.9 GHz+18%
Base Clock
2.1 GHz
3.8 GHz+81%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
4096 kB+1500%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Haswell-ULT (2013)
Zambezi (2011−2012)
PassMark
2,720
2,718
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4600U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-4130 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4600UFX-4130
Socket
FCBGA1168
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0