Intel Core i3-4150 vs Intel Core i3-4370 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear and consistent picture for these two Intel Core i3 processors. Across all five recorded Cinebench tests, the Intel Core i3-4370 emerges as the winner, with no test favoring the Intel Core i3-4150. The margin of victory is remarkably uniform, hovering near 14% in every workload category.

Starting with the multicore results, the Cinebench R15 multicore test shows the Core i3-4370 scoring 330 points against 290 points for the Core i3-4150. This represents a 13.8% advantage for the higher-clocked part. The pattern repeats in the Cinebench R20 multicore benchmark, where the Core i3-4370 records 1379 points versus 1212 points, again a 13.8% delta. The Cinebench R23 multicore test follows the same trajectory, with the Core i3-4370 reaching 3284 points while the Core i3-4150 manages 2888 points, a 13.7% gap.

Single-core performance tells the same story with similar margins. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the Core i3-4370 scores 194 points, while the Core i3-4150 trails at 170 points, a 14.1% difference. The Cinebench R23 single-core test shows 463 points for the Core i3-4370 and 407 points for the Core i3-4150, a 13.8% spread. This consistency across both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads suggests the performance gap is driven by fundamental clock speed differences rather than workload-specific scaling characteristics.

The average benchmark score for the Core i3-4370 stands at 1130, while the Core i3-4150 averages 1119. Both processors occupy the same 32nd percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating they sit at similar overall performance tiers despite the consistent head-to-head deltas. The nearest rivals for the Core i3-4370 include the Intel Pentium Gold G5500 with an identical average score of 1130, the Intel Core i5-4690T at 1129 with a 0.1% positive delta, and the Intel Core i3-10110U at 1131 with a -0.1% delta. For the Core i3-4150, the closest competitors are the Intel Core i7-2860QM at 1120 (-0.1%), the Intel Core i5-3550S at 1118 (0.1%), and the AMD Athlon 240GE at 1121 (-0.1%).

The data indicates that the Core i3-4370's advantage is neither marginal nor workload-dependent. A 13.7% to 14.1% lead across every benchmark in the head-to-head set represents a substantial, repeatable performance difference. The Core i3-4150, despite having identical core and thread counts, cannot close the gap in any test, suggesting that the architectural and clock differences between the two parts create a ceiling that the lower-clocked model cannot overcome.

Where Each One Wins

Given that the Core i3-4370 wins all five head-to-head benchmarks, the use-case split is largely one-sided. The Core i3-4370 is the clear choice for any workload that prioritizes raw CPU throughput. The Cinebench R23 multicore score of 3284 points indicates strong performance for multi-threaded content creation tasks such as video rendering, 3D modeling, and batch image processing. The single-core score of 463 points in Cinebench R23 also positions the Core i3-4370 favorably for lightly threaded applications like legacy software, spreadsheet calculations, and general desktop responsiveness.

The Core i3-4150, while losing every direct comparison, still holds its own against a broader field. Its average benchmark score of 1119 places it in the same 32nd percentile as its higher-clocked sibling, meaning it is not a weak processor by database standards. For users whose workloads are not extremely demanding, the Core i3-4150's Cinebench R23 multicore score of 2888 points and single-core score of 407 points remain serviceable for everyday computing, office applications, and moderate multitasking. The Core i3-4150 also shows a Geekbench multicore score of 1896 and a single-core score of 968 in its benchmark suite, providing additional reference points for general-purpose performance.

However, for users who need maximum performance from these two options, the Core i3-4370 wins in every measurable category. There is no scenario in the recorded data where the Core i3-4150 outperforms the Core i3-4370. The 13.8% average delta across all tests means that any application sensitive to CPU speed will show a tangible improvement with the Core i3-4370. Users with tight performance budgets, such as those running compilation tasks, scientific simulations, or video encoding on a dual-core system, will find the Core i3-4370's margins meaningful.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i3-4370 has an average benchmark score of 1130, while the Intel Core i3-4150 has an average score of 1119. The difference is 11 points, putting the Core i3-4370 slightly ahead in aggregate performance.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two processors in any test?

A: The largest gap appears in the Cinebench R20 single-core test, where the Core i3-4370 scores 194 points versus 170 points for the Core i3-4150, a 14.1% delta. All other tests show deltas between 13.7% and 13.8%.

Q: Do both processors share the same socket and architecture?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i3-4370 and Intel Core i3-4150 use the Intel Socket 1150 and are based on the Haswell architecture with the Haswell codename. Both are built on Intel's 22 nm process node.

Q: How does the Core i3-4370 compare to its closest rivals in the database?

A: The Core i3-4370 matches the Intel Pentium Gold G5500 with an identical average score of 1130. It is 0.1% ahead of the Intel Core i5-4690T (1129) and the Intel Core i7-3612QM (1129), and 0.1% behind the Intel Core i3-10110U (1131).

Q: Is there any benchmark where the Core i3-4150 beats the Core i3-4370?

A: No. In the recorded head-to-head benchmarks, the Core i3-4370 wins all five tests, and the Core i3-4150 has zero wins. The closest margin is 13.7% in Cinebench R23 multicore, still a comfortable victory for the Core i3-4370.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth specification for the Core i3-4150?

A: The Core i3-4150 has a memory bus bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The Core i3-4370 does not have a recorded memory bandwidth figure in the database.

Specification Differences

The two processors share several core specifications, but key differences emerge in clock speed, cache allocation, integrated graphics, and some secondary attributes. Both have 2 cores and 4 threads, a TDP of 54 watts, and target the Intel Socket 1150 platform with a dual-channel DDR3 memory interface. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and both support PCIe Gen 3.

The most prominent difference is the base clock frequency. The Intel Core i3-4370 runs at 3.80 GHz, while the Intel Core i3-4150 operates at 3.50 GHz. This 300 MHz gap directly explains the consistent 13.7% to 14.1% performance deltas seen across the benchmark suite. Neither processor has a boost clock, so these base frequencies represent their maximum sustained speeds.

Cache configuration also differs between the two models. The Core i3-4370 features 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Core i3-4150 has 3 MB of shared L3 cache. Both processors maintain identical per-core L1 cache at 64 KB and per-core L2 cache at 256 KB. The additional 1 MB of L3 cache on the Core i3-4370 contributes to its performance advantage, particularly in memory-sensitive workloads.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core i3-4370 includes Intel HD 4600 graphics, while the Core i3-4150 uses Intel HD 4400 graphics. This represents a step up in GPU capability for the higher-clocked model, though neither is designed for demanding graphical workloads.

Other recorded differences include the Core i3-4150's production status marked as "End-of-life" and a part number of SR1PJ, while the Core i3-4370 has no recorded production status or part number. The Core i3-4150 also has a launch MSRP of $117, a detail that is stated once here for reference. The Core i3-4370 has no launch MSRP in the database.

Release dates show the Core i3-4150 arriving earlier, with a release date of 2014-04-30, while the Core i3-4370 followed on 2014-07-20. Both are desktop market segment processors with no ECC memory support.

Architecture Differences

Both processors belong to the same Haswell generation and share the same fundamental architecture. They are built on Intel's 22 nm process node with 1,400 million transistors and a die size of 177 mm². The foundry is Intel for both parts, and both carry the Haswell codename.

The core design is identical: 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading providing 4 threads. The memory support is DDR3 with dual-channel configuration. The PCIe implementation is Gen 3, though the Core i3-4150 specifies 16 lanes (CPU only) while the Core i3-4370 does not have a lane count recorded.

The architectural differences that do exist are primarily in cache hierarchy and integrated graphics. The Core i3-4370's larger 4 MB shared L3 cache versus the Core i3-4150's 3 MB shared L3 cache is the most significant architectural variation. This additional cache can reduce memory latency and improve hit rates for frequently accessed data, complementing the higher clock speed.

The integrated graphics difference between Intel HD 4600 and Intel HD 4400 represents a tier distinction within the Haswell lineup. The HD 4600 offers more execution units and higher clock potential, making it a somewhat more capable iGPU for basic media playback and light gaming.

Neither processor has a boost clock, meaning the architecture relies entirely on base clock frequency for performance scaling. The lack of an unlocked multiplier on both parts means overclocking is not an option through conventional means. The TDP remains at 54 watts for both, indicating that the higher clock and larger cache on the Core i3-4370 do not incur additional power draw in the recorded specifications.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i3-4370 outperforms the Intel Core i3-4150 in every recorded test. With wins in all five head-to-head Cinebench benchmarks, the Core i3-4370 establishes a 13.7% to 14.1% performance advantage that is consistent across both single-core and multi-core workloads. Its higher 3.80 GHz base clock, larger 4 MB L3 cache, and superior Intel HD 4600 graphics make it the more capable processor in this pairing.

Users who prioritize maximum CPU performance from a dual-core Haswell part should select the Core i3-4370. The data shows it delivers roughly 14% better Cinebench scores, which translates to tangible improvements in rendering, compilation, and other CPU-bound tasks. The Core i3-4370 also holds its own against a broader field, matching the Intel Pentium Gold G5500 and sitting within 0.1% of several other processors in its average score tier.

The Core i3-4150, while the clear loser in direct comparison, remains a functional dual-core processor. Its average benchmark score of 1119 places it in the same 32nd percentile as the Core i3-4370, meaning neither chip is far from the other in the overall CPU hierarchy. For users who already own a Core i3-4150, the performance difference to the Core i3-4370 might not justify an upgrade, as the absolute score gap of 11 points on average is modest. However, for users choosing between these two specific models, the data consistently favors the Core i3-4370 with no recorded scenario where the Core i3-4150 comes out ahead. The Core i3-4150 may appeal to those with a constrained platform budget, but based purely on benchmark performance, the Core i3-4370 is the stronger selection.