How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790 scores 25.9/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790 wins 13.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 35% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 84 W; Lower launch price: $117 vs $303. Intel Core i7-4790 advantages: Stronger single-core score: 27 vs 20; Stronger multi-core score: 26 vs 20; 207% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 2,700; 167% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 3 MB; 142% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,600 vs 1,900.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $303 for the Intel Core i7-4790.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i7-4790

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790

$303

20Single-core27.2

20.4Multi-core25.9

20Gamingspec-based24.4

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322013 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4790 wins this desktop processor face-off, 25.9 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+7) and multi-core (+6). Intel Core i3-3220 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 i3-3220

35% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 84 W
Lower launch price: $117 vs $303

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790

Stronger single-core score: 27 vs 20
Stronger multi-core score: 26 vs 20
207% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 2,700
167% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 3 MB
142% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,600 vs 1,900

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790
Announced	2012	2014
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Base TDP	55 W+35%	84 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4 GHz+21%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB+100%
L3 cache	3 MB	8 MB+167%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max memory	32 GB	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Bottom 2%	1,230+56%Bottom 16%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Bottom 2%	4,050+135%Bottom 14%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Bottom 1%	—
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Bottom 1%	4,600+142%Bottom 12%
PassMark	2,700Bottom 2%	8,300+207%Bottom 11%

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