How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790 scores 25.9/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 14 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790 wins 1.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-12100 and the Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 27; Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 26; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 24; 400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB; 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB; Lower launch price: $122 vs $303.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-12100 or Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $303 for the Intel Core i7-4790.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i7-4790

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790

$303

55.3Single-core27.2

34.2Multi-core25.9

36Gaming24.4

14 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121001 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 25.9, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+28) and gaming (+12). Intel Core i7-4790 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-12100

Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 27
Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 26
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 24
400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB
300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
Lower launch price: $122 vs $303

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790

No decisive spec advantages — this side competes on price and preference.

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790
Announced	2022	2014
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1150
Process	10 nm+55%	22 nm
Base TDP	60 W+29%	84 W
Max turbo power	89 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	8
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz+7%	4 GHz
L2 cache	5 MB+400%	1 MB
L3 cache	12 MB+50%	8 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+17%	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790
Memory support	DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200	DDR3-1600
Max memory	128 GB+300%	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790
PCIe version	5+67%	3
CPU PCIe lanes	20+25%	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+67%Top 36%	1,230Top 82%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+65%Top 60%	4,050Top 84%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680Top 35%	—
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700+89%Top 66%	4,600Top 85%
PassMark	14,000+69%Top 66%	8,300Top 84%

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