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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i3-4170T is positioned at rank #645 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4170T

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

11640%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

10999%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

7986%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2406%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1906%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1667%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

955%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

942%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

858%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

858%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

848%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

825%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

814%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

811%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

803%

#388

Ryzen Embedded R2312

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

98%

#389

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200

98%

#645

Core i3-4170T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $17

100%

#646

FX-8370E

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

100%

#647

Core i5-4590S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $45

100%

#648

Pentium G2020

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

99%

#649

Pentium G3450

MSRP: $82|Avg: $25

99%

#650

Core i7-6700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $143

99%

#651

Athlon II X4 631

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

99%

#652

Pentium G3240T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

99%

#653

Core i3-4160T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $18

99%

#657

Core i3-4350

MSRP: $138|Avg: $130

98%

#659

Core i5-6600T

MSRP: $213|Avg: $35

98%

#660

FX-4350

MSRP: $122|Avg: $140

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-4170T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-4170T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-4170T is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,133, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 800, while multi-core reaches 1,600.

Specification	Core i3-4170T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	177 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,133
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	800
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,600

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4170T fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-4170T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1150
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 4400
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H81,B85
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-4170T is primarily designed for Low Power Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-4170T
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Low Power Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-4170T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Included stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Low Profile.

Specification	Core i3-4170T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Included
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Low Profile

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $17 (MSRP: $117), the Core i3-4170T delivers 184 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #645 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2212 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-4170T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$117
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$17
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#645
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2212
Release DateLaunch date	30 March 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel