Intel Core i3-4160T vs Intel Pentium G4600 Comparison

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Pentium G4600 outperforms the Intel Core i3-4160T in every recorded test. Across all five head-to-head Cinebench comparisons, the G4600 wins with a consistent margin of 16% to 16.6%. This is a rare case where a Pentium-branded part beats a Core i3 across the board, and the gap is not trivial. The G4600 is the choice for anyone prioritizing raw compute performance in these workloads.

However, the i3-4160T is not without its own merits. It draws significantly less power, with a 35 W TDP compared to the G4600's 51 W. For a compact desktop or a system where heat and energy efficiency are the primary concerns, the i3-4160T remains a viable option, provided the user accepts a 16% performance deficit in multi-core rendering tasks. The G4600 also requires a newer platform, Socket 1151, whereas the i3-4160T uses the older Socket 1150. Buyers with an existing 1150 motherboard may find the i3-4160T the more practical upgrade path, despite its lower benchmark scores.

The data suggests the G4600 is the superior processor for new builds. The i3-4160T is a sensible pick only when platform compatibility or power draw takes priority over raw speed. Both chips sit at the 29th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they are entry-level parts, but within that tier, the G4600 is clearly the stronger performer.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core score in Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Pentium G4600 scores 3070, while the Intel Core i3-4160T scores 2635. The G4600 leads by 16.5%.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the i3-4160T wins?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the G4600 winning all five tests, with wins in Cinebench R15 multi-core, R20 multi-core, R20 single-core, R23 multi-core, and R23 single-core. The i3-4160T has zero wins in this comparison.

Q: How do their power requirements differ?

A: The i3-4160T has a TDP of 35 W, while the G4600 has a TDP of 51 W. The i3-4160T is the more power-efficient part on paper.

Q: Do they use the same motherboard socket?

A: No. The G4600 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i3-4160T uses Intel Socket 1150. They are not interchangeable.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The G4600 supports DDR4 memory, while the i3-4160T supports DDR3. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: How close are their average benchmark scores overall?

A: The G4600 has an average benchmark score of 1056, and the i3-4160T has an average of 1043. The G4600 is slightly ahead, though both sit at the 29th percentile of all CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and manufacturing processes. The G4600 is built on Kaby Lake architecture using a 14 nm process node. The i3-4160T is based on older Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process. This process shrink gives the G4600 a density and efficiency advantage, although the i3-4160T compensates with a lower TDP.

Both chips have 2 cores and 4 threads, so the threading model is identical. Cache configurations also match: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 3 MB of shared L3. The G4600's base clock is higher at 3.60 GHz versus 3.10 GHz for the i3-4160T. Neither chip has a boost clock, so these base frequencies are the maximum sustained speeds.

The i3-4160T includes more detailed die information in the database: 1,400 million transistors and a die size of 177 mm². No comparable figures are listed for the G4600. The G4600 supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i3-4160T lists PCIe Gen 3 without a lane count.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The G4600 carries Intel HD 630 graphics, while the i3-4160T has Intel HD 4400. Both are entry-level iGPUs, but the HD 630 is the newer generation. Memory support is a significant split: the G4600 uses DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while the i3-4160T uses DDR3 with no bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory is not supported by either.

The production status for both is listed as active. Release dates show the G4600 arriving in January 2017, while the i3-4160T dates to July 2014. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, and no launch MSRP is recorded for either.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The G4600 dominates every recorded benchmark. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the G4600 scores 309 against 265 for the i3-4160T, a 16.6% lead. The R20 multi-core test shows a similar pattern: 1289 versus 1106, a 16.5% advantage. Single-core performance in R20 gives the G4600 a score of 181, while the i3-4160T manages 156, a 16% difference.

The R23 tests reinforce the trend. Multi-core R23 has the G4600 at 3070 and the i3-4160T at 2635, a 16.5% gap. Single-core R23 shows 433 versus 372, a 16.4% difference. Every delta falls between 16% and 16.6%, indicating a consistent performance advantage across both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.

The i3-4160T does have additional Geekbench scores in the database, 1840 multi-core and 926 single-core, but no comparable Geekbench results are recorded for the G4600, so a direct comparison on that test is not possible from the data.

The consistency of the margins is notable. A 16% difference in both single-core and multi-core tests suggests the G4600's higher base clock of 3.60 GHz versus 3.10 GHz is the primary driver, rather than any architectural efficiency in multi-threading. The i3-4160T cannot close the gap even in workloads that typically favor older Intel cores.

Where Each One Wins

The G4600 wins every benchmark in the comparison, so the use-case split is clear. For rendering, video encoding, or any task that scales with Cinebench-style multi-threaded performance, the G4600 is the stronger choice. Its single-core advantage also matters for applications that rely on lightly threaded performance, such as older games or productivity software that does not use multiple cores effectively.

The i3-4160T's advantage is not in performance but in power consumption. With a 35 W TDP versus 51 W, it draws about 31% less power according to the TDP figures. This makes it suitable for small form factor builds, silent PCs, or systems with limited cooling capacity. The lower TDP also implies less heat output, which can extend the lifespan of compact power supplies.

Platform compatibility is another factor. The i3-4160T uses Socket 1150, which may be present in older motherboards. Users upgrading an existing Haswell-era system could slot in the i3-4160T without a motherboard change. The G4600 requires Socket 1151, which is a newer platform with DDR4 memory support. Those building fresh should prefer the G4600, but those with a working 1150 board might find the i3-4160T a lower-friction upgrade.

The i3-4160T also has a recorded Geekbench score, which the G4600 lacks in this database. If a user's workflow relies on Geekbench-specific measurements, the i3-4160T at least has data available, though no direct comparison is possible.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Pentium G4600 | Intel Core i3-4160T |

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

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| TDP | 51 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel Socket 1150 |

| Architecture | Kaby Lake | Haswell |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 22 nm |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 1,400 million |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 177 mm² |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | Not recorded |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 630 | Intel HD 4400 |

| Release Date | January 2017 | July 2014 |

| Part Number | SR35F | Not recorded |

The two chips share identical core counts, thread counts, L1 and L2 cache sizes, and 3 MB of shared L3 cache. Both lack boost clocks, ECC support, and unlocked multipliers. The G4600 is newer, faster, and built on a more advanced process, while the i3-4160T offers lower power draw and DDR3 compatibility. The data shows no performance scenario where the i3-4160T takes the lead.