How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-12100 scores 41/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790K scores 27.9/100. Intel Core i3-12100 wins 14 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790K wins 3.

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

Intel Core i3-12100 advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 55 vs 30; Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 27; Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 27; 400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB; 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB; Lower launch price: $122 vs $339. Intel Core i7-4790K advantages: 21% higher Base clock: 4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz; Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't.

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

Intel Core i3-12100 launched cheaper at $122, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-4790K.

Intel Core i3-12100 vs Intel Core i7-4790K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i3-12100

$122

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790K

$339

55.3Single-core29.7

34.2Multi-core27.2

36Gaming26.9

14 spec wins — Intel Core i3-121003 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i3-12100 wins this desktop processor face-off, 41 to 27.9, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+26) and gaming (+9). Intel Core i7-4790K 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 30
Stronger Multi-core score: 34 vs 27
Stronger gaming score: 36 vs 27
400% higher L2 cache: 5 MB vs 1 MB
300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
Lower launch price: $122 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K

21% higher Base clock: 4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz
Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790K
Announced	2022	2014
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1150
Process	10 nm+55%	22 nm
Base TDP	60 W+32%	88 W
Max turbo power	89 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790K
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	8	8
Base clock	3.3 GHz	4 GHz+21%
Boost clock	4.3 GHz	4.4 GHz+2%
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 i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,400 MHz+12%	1,250 MHz

Memory

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

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-12100 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-12100	Intel Core i7-4790K
Geekbench 6 (single)	2,050+52%Top 36%	1,350Top 76%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	6,700+46%Top 60%	4,600Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,680+53%Top 35%	1,100Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	8,700+66%Top 66%	5,250Top 83%
PassMark	14,000+57%Top 66%	8,900Top 82%

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