How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790K scores 27.9/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 4 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790K wins 10.

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

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 100% higher Max memory: 64 GB vs 32 GB; 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm; 26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W; Lower launch price: $117 vs $339. Intel Core i7-4790K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 27 vs 22; 100% higher threads: 8 vs 4; 46% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 6,100.

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

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-4790K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i7-4790K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790K

$339

26.3Single-core29.7

23.7Multi-core27.2

21.9Gaming26.9

4 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810010 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4790K wins this desktop processor face-off, 27.9 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+5) and Multi-core (+4). 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
26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W
Lower launch price: $117 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K

Stronger Single-core score: 30 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 27 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 27 vs 22
100% higher threads: 8 vs 4
46% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 6,100

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790K
Announced	2017	2014
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1150
Process	14 nm+36%	22 nm
Base TDP	65 W+26%	88 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790K
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.4 GHz+22%
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 i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,250 MHz+14%

Memory

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

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-4790K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	1,350+13%Top 76%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	4,600+37%Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,100Top 80%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	5,250+38%Top 83%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	8,900+46%Top 82%

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