Intel Core i3-4170T vs Intel Core i7-2760QM Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a clear split between these two processors, with the Intel Core i7-2760QM dominating Cinebench workloads while the Intel Core i3-4170T takes decisive wins in Geekbench tests. Across the seven recorded head-to-head comparisons, the i7-2760QM wins five, while the i3-4170T wins two.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-2760QM scores 366 against 268 for the i3-4170T, a 36.6% advantage. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the i7-2760QM posts 1525 versus 1120, a 36.2% lead. Cinebench R23 multicore shows the same story: 3631 for the i7-2760QM and 2667 for the i3-4170T, a 36.1% margin. These multicore results align with the core and thread disparity between the two chips, as the i7-2760QM offers twice the thread count.

The single-core Cinebench results are also consistently in favor of the i7-2760QM. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 215 against 157, a 36.9% difference. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 512 versus 376, a 36.2% gap. This is notable because the i3-4170T has a higher base clock of 3.20 GHz compared to the i7-2760QM's 2.40 GHz base, yet the older Sandy Bridge architecture still manages higher single-thread Cinebench scores.

The i3-4170T fights back in Geekbench. In Geekbench multicore, it scores 1945 against 1625 for the i7-2760QM, a 16.5% advantage. The single-core Geekbench result is even more lopsided: 972 for the i3-4170T versus 534 for the i7-2760QM, a 45.1% margin. These Geekbench wins indicate that the Haswell architecture in the i3-4170T executes certain workloads much more efficiently than the older Sandy Bridge design.

The average benchmark scores are very close. The i7-2760QM records an average benchmark score of 1057, placing it in the 29th percentile of all CPUs. The i3-4170T averages 1072, sitting in the 30th percentile. For context, the i7-2760QM's nearest rivals include the Intel Pentium G4600 at 1056 (0.1% behind), the AMD Ryzen 5 2500U at 1058 (0.1% ahead), and the Intel Core i3-4350 at 1058 (0.1% ahead). The i3-4170T's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-5287U at 1072 (0% difference) and the AMD Athlon X4 880K at 1071 (0.1% behind).

The Verdict

The data supports a straightforward conclusion: choose the Intel Core i7-2760QM for heavily threaded Cinebench-style rendering workloads, and choose the Intel Core i3-4170T for Geekbench-style single-threaded and memory-sensitive tasks.

The i7-2760QM is the stronger processor in five of the seven recorded benchmarks, with margins between 36.1% and 36.9% across all Cinebench tests. Its 4 cores and 8 threads give it a structural advantage in parallel workloads, and the boost clock of 3.50 GHz helps maintain competitive performance even in single-threaded Cinebench tests.

The i3-4170T, however, demonstrates superior performance in Geekbench. The 45.1% single-core advantage and 16.5% multicore advantage in Geekbench suggest that the Haswell architecture's newer design delivers better instruction-level efficiency. The i3-4170T also benefits from a higher base clock of 3.20 GHz, which is a substantial difference from the i7-2760QM's 2.40 GHz base.

For a user prioritizing Cinebench rendering performance, the i7-2760QM is the clear pick. For a user prioritizing Geekbench-style general productivity and single-threaded responsiveness, the i3-4170T is the better choice. The overall average scores are nearly identical, so the decision comes down to workload type.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Intel Core i7-2760QM uses the Sandy Bridge architecture, built on a 32 nm process node by Intel. It packs 1,160 million transistors on a 216 mm² die. The Intel Core i3-4170T uses the Haswell architecture, built on a 22 nm process node. It contains 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The newer 22 nm process allows the i3-4170T to fit more transistors into a smaller die area.

The core configurations differ substantially. The i7-2760QM has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i3-4170T has 2 cores and 4 threads. The i7-2760QM has a base clock of 2.40 GHz with a boost clock of 3.50 GHz, whereas the i3-4170T runs at 3.20 GHz with no boost clock listed.

Cache hierarchies also differ. Both chips share the same per-core L1 and L2 cache sizes: 64 KB and 256 KB per core respectively. The L3 cache is where they diverge: the i7-2760QM has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i3-4170T has 3 MB of shared L3 cache.

Memory support shows another distinction. The i3-4170T supports DDR3 memory with a measured bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the i7-2760QM's memory support is not recorded in the database. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-2760QM includes Intel HD 3000, while the i3-4170T includes Intel HD 4400. The i3-4170T also lists PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-2760QM has no PCIe information recorded.

The sockets are incompatible: the i7-2760QM uses Intel BGA 1224, while the i3-4170T uses Intel Socket 1150. The i7-2760QM targets the mobile market segment, and the i3-4170T targets desktop. The i7-2760QM has a TDP of 45 W, while the i3-4170T draws 35 W.

Both processors are end-of-life production status. The i7-2760QM was released on September 3, 2011, and the i3-4170T on March 29, 2015. Neither has a recorded launch MSRP. Neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-2760QM has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i3-4170T has 2 cores and 4 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i3-4170T has a higher base clock at 3.20 GHz. The Intel Core i7-2760QM has a base clock of 2.40 GHz but reaches a boost clock of 3.50 GHz, while the i3-4170T has no boost clock listed.

Q: Which processor performs better in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core i7-2760QM scores 3631 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 36.1% higher than the Intel Core i3-4170T's score of 2667.

Q: Which processor performs better in Geekbench single-core?

A: The Intel Core i3-4170T scores 972 in Geekbench single-core, which is 45.1% higher than the Intel Core i7-2760QM's score of 534.

Q: What are the TDP differences between these two processors?

A: The Intel Core i7-2760QM has a TDP of 45 W, while the Intel Core i3-4170T has a TDP of 35 W.

Q: Do these processors use the same socket?

A: No. The Intel Core i7-2760QM uses Intel BGA 1224, and the Intel Core i3-4170T uses Intel Socket 1150.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-2760QM wins in all Cinebench tests. This includes Cinebench R15 multicore (366 versus 268), Cinebench R20 multicore (1525 versus 1120), Cinebench R20 single-core (215 versus 157), Cinebench R23 multicore (3631 versus 2667), and Cinebench R23 single-core (512 versus 376). The margins are remarkably consistent, ranging from 36.1% to 36.9%. This suggests that the i7-2760QM's architecture delivers sustained advantages in rendering workloads across multiple Cinebench versions. Users running Cinebench-based benchmarks or similar rendering tasks should favor the i7-2760QM.

The Intel Core i3-4170T wins in both Geekbench tests. In Geekbench multicore, it scores 1945 against 1625, a 16.5% advantage. In Geekbench single-core, it scores 972 against 534, a 45.1% advantage. The single-core margin is the largest recorded difference in any benchmark between these two chips. The i3-4170T's advantage in Geekbench suggests that its Haswell architecture and higher base clock make it better suited for general-purpose computing tasks, everyday applications, and workloads that benefit from newer instruction execution.

Looking at the overall percentile rankings, the i3-4170T sits at the 30th percentile of all CPUs, one point above the i7-2760QM's 29th percentile. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical: 1072 for the i3-4170T and 1057 for the i7-2760QM. For users who need a mobile processor for rendering workloads, the i7-2760QM is the appropriate choice. For users who need a desktop processor for general productivity with strong single-threaded performance, the i3-4170T is the better fit.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications:

Cores: The i7-2760QM has 4 cores, while the i3-4170T has 2 cores.

Threads: The i7-2760QM has 8 threads, while the i3-4170T has 4 threads.

Base clock: The i7-2760QM runs at 2.40 GHz, while the i3-4170T runs at 3.20 GHz.

Boost clock: The i7-2760QM boosts to 3.50 GHz. The i3-4170T has no boost clock listed.

TDP: The i7-2760QM has a TDP of 45 W, while the i3-4170T has a TDP of 35 W.

Socket: The i7-2760QM uses Intel BGA 1224, while the i3-4170T uses Intel Socket 1150.

Architecture: The i7-2760QM uses Sandy Bridge, while the i3-4170T uses Haswell.

Process node: The i7-2760QM is built on 32 nm, while the i3-4170T is built on 22 nm.

Transistors: The i7-2760QM contains 1,160 million transistors, while the i3-4170T contains 1,400 million.

Die size: The i7-2760QM has a die size of 216 mm², while the i3-4170T has a die size of 177 mm².

L3 cache: The i7-2760QM has 6 MB shared, while the i3-4170T has 3 MB shared.

Memory support: The i3-4170T supports DDR3 with 25.6 GB/s bandwidth. The i7-2760QM has no memory support or bandwidth recorded in the database.

PCIe: The i3-4170T supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The i7-2760QM has no PCIe information recorded.

Integrated graphics: The i7-2760QM includes Intel HD 3000, while the i3-4170T includes Intel HD 4400.

Market segment: The i7-2760QM is a mobile processor, while the i3-4170T is a desktop processor.

Release date: The i7-2760QM was released on September 3, 2011, while the i3-4170T was released on March 29, 2015.

Part number: The i7-2760QM carries part number SR02R, while the i3-4170T carries part number SR1TC.

Memory bus: Both processors use dual-channel memory buses, which is a point of similarity rather than difference.

ECC memory: Neither processor supports ECC memory.

Multiplier unlocked: Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.