Intel Core i3-4130 vs Intel Core i3-4360T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data records five direct comparisons between the Intel Core i3-4130 and the Intel Core i3-4360T, and the results are consistent across every test. The Core i3-4130 wins all five head-to-head matchups, but the margins are narrow throughout.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-4130 scores 285 against 282 for the i3-4360T, a 1.1% edge. The R20 multi-core test shows a similar story: 1189 versus 1175, a 1.2% difference. The single-core results follow the same pattern, with the i3-4130 posting 168 in R20 single-core versus 165, a 1.8% lead, and 400 versus 395 in R23 single-core, a 1.3% gap. The R23 multi-core test lands at 2833 for the i3-4130 and 2799 for the i3-4360T, another 1.2% difference.

The largest single delta is in R20 single-core at 1.8%, but no test shows either chip pulling away decisively. The overall average benchmark score for the i3-4130 is 975, while the i3-4360T sits at 963, a difference of 12 points or roughly 1.2% across the full benchmark suite. Both processors occupy the 26th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they land in the same performance tier relative to the broader market.

The i3-4130's nearest rivals include the AMD Athlon X4 840, the Intel Core i3-4150T, and the AMD A10-7870K, all with matching average scores of 975. The i3-4360T's closest competitors are the Intel Pentium Gold G5500T at 963, the AMD A8-9600 at 962 (0.1% behind), the Intel Celeron N5100 at 966 (0.4% ahead), and the Intel Xeon X5570 at 967 (0.4% ahead). This places both chips in the same neighborhood of desktop processors from that era, with neither one standing out from the crowd.

Where Each One Wins

The i3-4130 wins every recorded benchmark, so the data is unambiguous about which chip is faster. The margins range from 1.1% to 1.8% depending on the workload, with the single-core advantage slightly larger than the multi-core edge. For users running lightly threaded applications, the i3-4130's 1.8% lead in R20 single-core suggests a small but measurable benefit. For multi-threaded workloads like video rendering or CPU-heavy compilation, the 1.1% to 1.2% gaps across R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests indicate the i3-4130 maintains its lead.

The i3-4360T does not win a single benchmark in this comparison, but its losses are minimal. The largest deficit is the 1.8% gap in R20 single-core, which in real-world terms would be difficult to notice without direct side-by-side testing. The i3-4360T's advantage lies elsewhere: its 35 watt TDP versus the i3-4130's 54 watts. The data shows a 19 watt difference in thermal design power, which translates into lower heat output and reduced cooling requirements for the i3-4360T. For compact systems or builds where power draw and thermals are the primary constraints, the i3-4360T's efficiency profile is the differentiator, not its raw performance.

The i3-4130 also carries a larger base clock of 3.40 GHz against the i3-4360T's 3.20 GHz, which explains the consistent single-core advantage. Neither chip has a boost clock, so these base frequencies are the maximum sustained speeds. The 200 MHz difference directly correlates with the observed benchmark deltas.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental architecture: Haswell, built on Intel's 22 nm process node, with 1,400 million transistors and a die size of 177 mm². They use the same Intel Socket 1150 platform, support dual-channel DDR3 memory, and both feature PCIe Gen 3 connectivity. Neither chip supports ECC memory, and both have locked multipliers.

The core and thread configuration is identical: 2 cores and 4 threads each. The L1 cache matches at 64 KB per core, and the L2 cache is 256 KB per core on both. The L3 cache is where they diverge: the i3-4130 has 3 MB shared L3, while the i3-4360T has 4 MB shared L3. This 1 MB cache advantage for the i3-4360T does not translate into a performance win in any recorded test, likely because the higher clock speed of the i3-4130 offsets the additional cache.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i3-4130 ships with Intel HD 4400, while the i3-4360T includes Intel HD 4600. The i3-4360T's newer and slightly more capable GPU is not reflected in the CPU benchmark scores, but it is a relevant consideration for builds relying on integrated graphics without a discrete card.

Release timing also separates the two. The i3-4130 launched on 2013-08-31, while the i3-4360T arrived later on 2014-07-20. Both remain listed as active in production, and both are part of the desktop market segment.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i3-4130 wins all three multi-core tests. It scores 285 versus 282 in Cinebench R15, 1189 versus 1175 in R20, and 2833 versus 2799 in R23. The margins are 1.1% to 1.2% in each case.

Q: Is the i3-4360T more power efficient?

A: Yes. The i3-4360T has a TDP of 35 watts, while the i3-4130 is rated at 54 watts. The 19 watt difference means the i3-4360T produces less heat and requires less substantial cooling.

Q: Do these processors support overclocking?

A: No. Both have locked multipliers, meaning the base clocks are fixed. The i3-4130 runs at 3.40 GHz, and the i3-4360T runs at 3.20 GHz, with no boost capability on either.

Q: How do they compare in single-core performance?

A: The i3-4130 leads in both single-core tests. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 168 against 165, a 1.8% advantage. In R23 single-core, it scores 400 against 395, a 1.3% lead.

Q: Do they use the same motherboard socket?

A: Yes. Both processors use Intel Socket 1150 and are compatible with the same generation of motherboards. They also share the same Haswell architecture and 22 nm process node.

Q: What is the difference in integrated graphics?

A: The i3-4130 includes Intel HD 4400, while the i3-4360T includes Intel HD 4600. The i3-4360T's graphics solution is the more capable of the two, though this does not affect the CPU benchmark scores.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-4130 | Intel Core i3-4360T |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 3.40 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| TDP | 54 watts | 35 watts |

| L3 Cache | 3 MB (shared) | 4 MB (shared) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4400 | Intel HD 4600 |

| Release Date | 2013-08-31 | 2014-07-20 |

All other recorded specifications are identical: 2 cores, 4 threads, 22 nm process, 1,400 million transistors, 177 mm² die size, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, dual-channel DDR3 support, PCIe Gen 3, no ECC, no unlocked multiplier, and Intel Socket 1150 compatibility.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to the Intel Core i3-4130 as the faster processor in every measured workload. Its 3.40 GHz base clock, 200 MHz higher than the i3-4360T's 3.20 GHz, delivers a consistent 1.1% to 1.8% advantage across single and multi-core tests. The average benchmark score of 975 versus 963 reinforces this conclusion, and the 26th percentile ranking for both chips confirms they occupy the same performance class.

However, the i3-4360T is not without its own argument. The 35 watt TDP versus 54 watts makes it the clear choice for systems where power consumption and heat generation are priorities. The 4 MB L3 cache versus 3 MB provides a modest architectural edge, and the HD 4600 integrated graphics outclasses the HD 4400 in the i3-4130. For a small form factor build, a fanless or low-noise setup, or any scenario where the CPU cooler is constrained, the i3-4360T's efficiency profile is compelling.

The performance gap between the two is small enough that it will rarely be the deciding factor in a purchase. Users who want every bit of speed from a Socket 1150 Haswell i3 should select the i3-4130, as it wins all five head-to-head benchmarks. Users who prioritize low power draw and quieter operation, or who plan to rely on the integrated GPU, should lean toward the i3-4360T. The data does not show a scenario where the i3-4360T outperforms the i3-4130 in CPU-bound tasks, so the choice ultimately comes down to whether efficiency or peak performance matters more for the specific build.