CPU Comparison

# Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The data shows a remarkably consistent pattern: the Intel Core i3-4370T wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, but by margins so slim they border on statistical noise. Across five Cinebench tests, the largest advantage is just 0.8%, and the smallest is 0.6%. This is not a story of dominance; it is a story of incremental refinement.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the 4370T scores 287 against 285 for the 4130, a 0.7% advantage. The R20 multicore test shows the same story, 1199 versus 1189, a 0.8% gap. Single-core results are equally tight: R20 single-core gives 169 versus 168 (0.6%), while R23 single-core shows 403 versus 400 (0.8%). The R23 multicore test rounds out the sweep at 2856 versus 2833, again 0.8%.

The average benchmark scores tell a slightly more interesting tale. The 4370T averages 983 points, while the 4130 averages 975, a difference of just 8 points, or less than 1%. Yet the rival comparisons reveal different competitive contexts. The 4370T sits exactly level with the Intel Xeon X3470 (983, 0% delta), and trails the Intel Core i3-4130T by just 0.1% (984 average). The 4130, meanwhile, ties the AMD Athlon X4 840 and the Intel Core i3-4150T at 975, and trails the Intel Core i5-5257U by just 0.1% (976 average). Both chips land at the 26th percentile of all CPUs, suggesting that in absolute terms, these are peers.

What does this mean in practice? The 4370T is technically the faster part in every measured workload, but the deltas are so small that real-world differences would be imperceptible in most tasks. Benchmark results indicate a processor that has been tuned for slightly better performance per clock, but the fundamental capabilities remain essentially unchanged.

# Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same Haswell architecture, the same 22 nm process node, and the same Intel foundry. Both are built on 1,400 million transistors across a 177 mm² die. The core counts are identical, 2 cores and 4 threads each. Neither has a boost clock, and both are multiplier-locked. They also share the same L1 cache at 64 KB per core and L2 cache at 256 KB per core.

The key architectural divergence lies in the L3 cache. The 4370T carries 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 4130 is limited to 3 MB. That extra 1 MB of cache is the most substantial internal difference between the two chips, and it likely explains the consistent, if small, benchmark advantages seen by the 4370T. More cache means more frequently accessed data can reside closer to the cores, reducing the need to reach into main memory.

The integrated graphics also differ. The 4370T ships with Intel HD 4600, while the 4130 comes with Intel HD 4400. This indicates a higher-tier iGPU on the newer part, which could matter for systems running without a discrete graphics card. Both support DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration, though the 4370T lists a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s while the 4130 does not report a bandwidth figure in the data.

The PCIe implementation shows a minor difference: the 4370T specifies "Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)," while the 4130 simply lists "Gen 3." The 4370T's specification is more explicit about lane allocation, but both are Gen 3 capable. Neither supports ECC memory.

The production statuses differ notably. The 4370T is marked as end-of-life, while the 4130 remains active. This suggests that the older part (released 2013-08-31) has outlived its newer sibling (released 2015-03-29) in the market, which may reflect supply chain decisions rather than performance considerations.

# The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture: the Intel Core i3-4370T is the faster processor in every benchmark measured, but the margins are minimal. A 0.8% advantage in multicore workloads and a 0.8% advantage in single-core workloads do not constitute a meaningful performance tier separation. The 4370T wins on all five head-to-head tests, yet the average benchmark score gap of 983 versus 975 is less than 1%.

For users who prioritize raw performance, the 4370T is the correct choice. It delivers higher scores in every Cinebench iteration, and the extra 1 MB of L3 cache provides a structural reason for its advantage. The integrated graphics upgrade from HD 4400 to HD 4600 further solidifies its position as the more capable part.

However, the 4130 has its own merits. It is still in production, meaning availability and long-term support may be better. Its lower average benchmark score of 975 is offset by its active status, which could matter for system builders or those seeking replacement parts. The 4130 also has a higher base clock of 3.40 GHz compared to 3.30 GHz on the 4370T, yet it still loses in benchmarks, a testament to the cache advantage of its rival.

The choice depends on priorities. If benchmark scores are the sole criterion, the 4370T wins outright. If long-term availability and active production matter more, the 4130 has a compelling case. The data does not support a decisive victory for either part in practical terms; it supports a marginal victory for the 4370T in synthetic workloads.

# Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields, and these differences explain much of the benchmark behavior:

• Base Clock: The 4130 runs at 3.40 GHz, while the 4370T runs at 3.30 GHz. The 4130 has the higher clock speed, yet loses in benchmarks.
• TDP: The 4370T is rated at 35 W, while the 4130 draws 54 W. The 4370T achieves its performance with significantly lower power consumption.
• L3 Cache: The 4370T has 4 MB shared, the 4130 has 3 MB shared. This is the most likely source of the 4370T's benchmark edge.
• Integrated Graphics: The 4370T features Intel HD 4600; the 4130 features Intel HD 4400.
• Memory Bandwidth: The 4370T lists 25.6 GB/s; the 4130 does not report a figure.
• PCIe: The 4370T specifies "Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)"; the 4130 states only "Gen 3."
• Production Status: The 4370T is end-of-life; the 4130 is active.
• Release Date: The 4370T launched 2015-03-29; the 4130 launched 2013-08-31.
• Launch MSRP: The 4370T had a launch MSRP of $138; the 4130 has no listed MSRP.
• Part Number: The 4370T is SR1TB; the 4130 is SR1NP.

All other fields, cores, threads, socket, architecture, process node, transistors, die size, L1/L2 cache, memory type, memory bus, ECC support, market segment, and unlocked multiplier, are identical.

# FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i3-4370T wins both single-core tests. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 169 versus 168, and in R23 single-core, it scores 403 versus 400, a 0.8% advantage in both cases.

Q: Does the higher base clock of the i3-4130 translate to better performance?

A: No. Despite running at 3.40 GHz versus 3.30 GHz, the 4130 loses every benchmark to the 4370T. The 4370T's larger 4 MB L3 cache (versus 3 MB) appears to compensate for its lower clock speed.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The 4370T has a TDP of 35 W, while the 4130 is rated at 54 W. The 4370T delivers better performance while using significantly less power, making it the more efficient part.

Q: Are these processors architecturally identical?

A: Yes, both use the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process with 1,400 million transistors and a 177 mm² die. They have the same 2 cores, 4 threads, and identical L1 and L2 cache sizes.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The 4370T features Intel HD 4600, while the 4130 comes with Intel HD 4400. The HD 4600 is the higher-tier integrated graphics solution.

Q: Is one processor still in production?

A: Yes. The 4130 is listed as active, while the 4370T is marked as end-of-life. This means the 4130 may be easier to source as a new part.

# Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-4370T wins in every benchmark category measured. Its advantages are consistent across multicore and single-core tests, with deltas ranging from 0.6% to 0.8%. The extra 1 MB of L3 cache and the higher-tier HD 4600 graphics make it the superior choice for users who want the best possible performance from this platform, even if the gains are marginal. Its 35 W TDP also makes it the better option for power-constrained builds, such as small form factor systems or always-on machines where heat and electricity consumption matter.

The Intel Core i3-4130 wins in the practical category of availability. Its active production status means it can still be purchased new, while the 4370T is end-of-life. For system integrators or users building a new machine today, the 4130 represents a part that is still in the supply chain. Its higher base clock of 3.40 GHz might also appeal to users who believe clock speed matters, even though the benchmark data shows the 4370T overcomes that deficit.

The use-case split is therefore clear: the 4370T is the performance and efficiency pick, winning all five head-to-head benchmarks and offering lower power draw. The 4130 is the pragmatic pick for those who value ongoing availability over the marginal performance edge. In workloads that are cache-sensitive, the 4370T's 4 MB L3 will show its worth; in workloads that are clock-sensitive, the 4130's 3.40 GHz base clock is the higher figure, yet the data shows it still falls behind. For a system that must be built today and last for years, the 4130's active status is a meaningful advantage. For a system where every benchmark point counts and power efficiency is paramount, the 4370T is the winner.