How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790K scores 27.9/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790K wins 16.

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

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 37% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 88 W; Lower launch price: $117 vs $339. Intel Core i7-4790K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 20; Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 20; Stronger gaming score: 27 vs 20; 230% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 2,700; 176% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 5,250 vs 1,900.

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

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-4790K.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i7-4790K

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790K

$339

20Single-core29.7

20.4Multi-core27.2

20Gaming26.9

1 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322016 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4790K wins this desktop processor face-off, 27.9 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+10) and gaming (+7). 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

37% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 88 W
Lower launch price: $117 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K

Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 20
Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 20
Stronger gaming score: 27 vs 20
230% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 2,700
176% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 5,250 vs 1,900

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790K
Announced	2012	2014
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Base TDP	55 W+37%	88 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790K
Cores	2	4+100%
Performance cores	2	4+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	4 GHz+21%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4.4 GHz+33%
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 i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,250 MHz+19%

Memory

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

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-4790K
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Top 99%	1,350+71%Top 76%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Top 99%	4,600+167%Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Top 100%	1,100+44%Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Top 100%	5,250+176%Top 83%
PassMark	2,700Top 99%	8,900+230%Top 82%

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