How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790 scores 25.9/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 4 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790 wins 8.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 100% higher Max memory: 64 GB vs 32 GB; 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm; 23% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 84 W; Lower launch price: $117 vs $303. Intel Core i7-4790 advantages: 100% higher threads: 8 vs 4; 36% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 6,100; 33% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 6 MB; 21% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,050 vs 3,350; 21% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,600 vs 3,800.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $303 for the Intel Core i7-4790.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i7-4790

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790

$303

26.3Single-core27.2

23.7Multi-core25.9

21.9Gaming24.4

4 spec wins — Intel Core i3-81008 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4790 wins this desktop processor face-off, 25.9 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+3) and Multi-core (+2). Intel Core i3-8100 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 i3-8100

100% higher Max memory: 64 GB vs 32 GB
36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm
23% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 84 W
Lower launch price: $117 vs $303

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790

100% higher threads: 8 vs 4
36% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 6,100
33% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 6 MB
21% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,050 vs 3,350
21% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,600 vs 3,800

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790
Announced	2017	2014
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1150
Process	14 nm+36%	22 nm
Base TDP	65 W+23%	84 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB
L3 cache	6 MB	8 MB+33%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,200 MHz+9%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR3-1600
Max memory	64 GB+100%	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200	1,230+3%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350	4,050+21%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800	4,600+21%
PassMark	6,100	8,300+36%

Related comparisons

Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i5-4690KVS Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i7-3770VS Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i7-4770VS Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i5-6500VS Intel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i5-6600KVS Intel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i5-7500VS Intel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i7-4770KVS Intel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i7-4770VS

Try another matchup

Device oneDevice two