FX-4170 vs Core i3-4170T
FX-4170
Core i3-4170T
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. The FX-4170 is positioned at rank 796 and the Core i3-4170T is on rank 645, so the Core i3-4170T offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FX-4170
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4170T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | FX-4170 | Core i3-4170T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($23) | ✅ More affordable ($17) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | FX-4170 | Core i3-4170T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($23) | ✅ More affordable ($17) |
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 FX-4170 and Core i3-4170T
FX-4170
The FX-4170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 February 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,121 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i3-4170T
The Core i3-4170T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,133 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The FX-4170 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-4170T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the FX-4170 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the FX-4170 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-4170T — a 29.3% clock advantage for the FX-4170 (base: 4.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The FX-4170 uses the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-4170T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the FX-4170 scores 3,121 against the Core i3-4170T's 3,133 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4170T. L3 cache: 8192 kB on the FX-4170 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170T.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i3-4170T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz+34% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz+31% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4096 kB+1500% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Zambezi (2011−2012) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,121 | 3,133 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 800 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,600 |
Memory & Platform
The FX-4170 uses the AM3+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-4170T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i3-4170T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM3+ | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (FX-4170) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-4170T). The Core i3-4170T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the FX-4170 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4170T targets Low Power Desktop.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i3-4170T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 4400 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The FX-4170 launched at $157 MSRP, while the Core i3-4170T debuted at $117. At current prices ($23 vs $17), the Core i3-4170T is $6 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the FX-4170 delivers 135.7 pts/$ vs 184.3 pts/$ for the Core i3-4170T — making the Core i3-4170T the 30.4% better value option.
| Feature | FX-4170 | Core i3-4170T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $157 | $117-25% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $23 | $17-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 135.7 | 184.3+36% |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2015 |
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