Intel Core i3-4330 vs Intel Core i3-7100H Comparison

The Intel Core i3-4330 and the Intel Core i3-7100H are two dual-core processors from different eras and market segments. The 4330 is a desktop Haswell part from 2013, while the 7100H is a mobile Kaby Lake-H processor from 2017. Despite the generational gap and architectural differences, the recorded benchmark data shows a remarkably close performance parity, with the older desktop chip edging out the newer mobile chip in every recorded test. The following analysis details the architectural contrasts, benchmark results, and specification differences based solely on the database records.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i3-4330 has a base clock of 3.50 GHz, while the Intel Core i3-7100H operates at 2.80 GHz. The 4330 holds a 0.70 GHz advantage in this metric.

Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i3-4330 wins all recorded multi-core tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 298 versus 295 (1% higher). In Cinebench R20 multi-core, it scores 1245 versus 1231 (1.1% higher), and in Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 2966 versus 2932 (1.2% higher).

Q: What is the difference in their process nodes?

A: The Intel Core i3-4330 is manufactured on a 22 nm process with a die size of 177 mm² and 1,400 million transistors. The Intel Core i3-7100H uses a smaller 14 nm process with a die size of 126 mm²; the transistor count for the 7100H is not recorded in the database.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i3-4330 has 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i3-7100H has 3 MB of shared L3 cache. The 4330 offers 1 MB more L3 cache.

Q: What is the thermal design power (TDP) for each chip?

A: The Intel Core i3-4330 has a TDP of 54 watts, whereas the Intel Core i3-7100H has a lower TDP of 35 watts. This makes the mobile processor more power-efficient on paper.

Q: Are the single-core scores very different?

A: No, the single-core results are extremely close. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the 4330 scores 175 versus 173 for the 7100H, a 1.2% difference. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the scores are 418 and 414, respectively, a 1% difference.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two CPUs is significant, yet it does not translate to a performance gap in the recorded benchmarks. The Intel Core i3-4330 is based on the Haswell architecture, while the Intel Core i3-7100H uses the Kaby Lake architecture. This represents a shift from the 22 nm process node to the 14 nm process node. The newer 14 nm node allows for a smaller die size: the 4330 measures 177 mm², while the 7100H is only 126 mm². The older desktop part also has a higher transistor count at 1,400 million, though the database does not list a transistor count for the mobile chip.

Cache configurations differ as well. Both processors feature 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core. The key difference lies in the shared L3 cache, where the 4330 has 4 MB compared to the 7100H's 3 MB. This 1 MB difference could impact workloads that rely heavily on the last-level cache, though the benchmark results show only marginal overall differences.

The integrated graphics also represent a generational leap. The 4330 includes the Intel HD 4600, while the 7100H features the Intel HD Graphics 630. The newer Kaby Lake GPU is a more modern solution, though the database does not provide specific graphics benchmark scores for comparison.

Memory support shows a clear divergence. The 4330 supports only DDR3 memory, while the 7100H supports both DDR3 and DDR4. Both use a dual-channel memory bus. The 7100H's ability to use DDR4 represents a substantial platform-level advantage, as DDR4 offers higher bandwidth potential, though no specific bandwidth figures are recorded for either chip.

The market segments are distinct: the 4330 is a Desktop processor, while the 7100H is a Mobile processor. The 7100H uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, which is soldered to the motherboard, whereas the 4330 uses the socketed Intel Socket 1150. The 7100H is also recorded as "End-of-life" in production status, while the 4330's status is not specified. Neither chip has an unlocked multiplier, and both support PCIe Gen 3, though the 7100H's PCIe implementation is noted as "16 Lanes (CPU only)".

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head benchmark data is remarkably one-sided in favor of the Intel Core i3-4330, despite the narrow margins. The database records 5 wins for the 4330 and 0 wins for the 7100H across all tested workloads.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 4330 scores 298 against the 7100H's 295. The delta is 1%, a slim but consistent edge. This pattern continues in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the 4330 posts 1245 points versus 1231 points for the 7100H, a 1.1% advantage. The largest relative margin appears in the Cinebench R20 single-core test, where the 4330 scores 175 to the 7100H's 173, a 1.2% difference.

The Cinebench R23 tests show a similar story. In the multi-core test, the 4330 achieves 2966 points, while the 7100H manages 2932 points, a 1.2% delta. In the single-core test, the 4330 scores 418 versus 414, a 1% margin. These results indicate that the 4330's higher base clock of 3.50 GHz versus 2.80 GHz is enough to overcome the architectural efficiency gains of the newer Kaby Lake design.

It is important to contextualize these scores. The 4330's average benchmark score is 1020, placing it at the 28th percentile of all CPUs. The 7100H has a slightly lower average score of 1009, also at the 28th percentile. The nearest rivals for the 4330 include the Intel Pentium Gold G5600 (avg score 1022, delta -0.2%), the Intel Core i3-4160 (avg score 1017, delta 0.3%), the Intel Core i7-975 (avg score 1023, delta -0.3%), and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U (avg score 1024, delta -0.3%). For the 7100H, the nearest rivals are the Intel Processor N100 (avg score 1007, delta 0.2%), the Intel Core i7-2675QM (avg score 1012, delta -0.3%), the Intel Core i5-10210Y (avg score 1006, delta 0.3%), and the Intel Xeon W5580 (avg score 1012, delta -0.3%). The performance parity between the 4330 and 7100H is mirrored in their rival sets, which show both chips trading places within a narrow band of scores.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the two processors, based on the database records:

• Base Clock: 3.50 GHz (4330) versus 2.80 GHz (7100H).
• TDP: 54 W (4330) versus 35 W (7100H).
• Socket: Intel Socket 1150 (4330) versus Intel BGA 1440 (7100H).
• Architecture / Codename: Haswell (4330) versus Kaby Lake / Kaby Lake-H (7100H).
• Process Node: 22 nm (4330) versus 14 nm (7100H).
• Die Size: 177 mm² (4330) versus 126 mm² (7100H).
• L3 Cache: 4 MB shared (4330) versus 3 MB shared (7100H).
• Memory Support: DDR3 (4330) versus DDR3, DDR4 (7100H).
• Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 4600 (4330) versus Intel HD Graphics 630 (7100H).
• Market Segment: Desktop (4330) versus Mobile (7100H).
• Release Date: 2013-08-31 (4330) versus 2017-01-02 (7100H).
• Part Number: SR1NM (4330) versus SR32T (7100H).

Fields that are identical include the core count (2 cores), thread count (4 threads), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (false for both), PCIe generation (Gen 3), and multiplier unlock status (false for both). The 7100H has a recorded launch MSRP of $225, which can be stated once as its launch MSRP; no such field exists for the 4330. The 4330 lists 1,400 million transistors, while the 7100H has no recorded transistor count. The 7100H is marked as End-of-life in production status, while the 4330 has no production status recorded.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear, if narrow, winner: the Intel Core i3-4330. It wins every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, from Cinebench R15 to R23, in both single-core and multi-core tests. The consistent 1% to 1.2% margins across all workloads indicate a steady, if modest, performance advantage. The 4330's higher base clock of 3.50 GHz appears to be the decisive factor, allowing the older Haswell architecture to outperform the newer Kaby Lake-H design, which is constrained by its lower 2.80 GHz clock.

For a desktop user building on the Intel Socket 1150 platform, the 4330 is the superior choice by the numbers. It also offers a larger L3 cache (4 MB versus 3 MB) and a higher transistor count (1,400 million). The average benchmark score of 1020 versus 1009 further supports the 4330's position, even though both sit at the 28th percentile of all CPUs.

However, the 7100H is not without its merits. Its 35 W TDP is significantly lower than the 4330's 54 W, making it a more power-efficient option for mobile or compact systems. The 7100H also supports DDR4 memory, which is a modern standard, and features newer integrated graphics in the Intel HD Graphics 630. Its smaller 14 nm process node and reduced die size of 126 mm² reflect a more advanced manufacturing technology. The 7100H has a launch MSRP of $225.

The choice depends on the platform and priorities. If raw benchmark performance is the sole criterion, the Intel Core i3-4330 is the winner, with 5 wins and 0 losses in the recorded tests. If power efficiency, modern memory support, and integrated graphics are prioritized, the Intel Core i3-7100H offers those features, albeit with a slight performance penalty. The benchmark data shows that the 4330 is the faster chip, but the 7100H provides a more modern feature set within a lower power envelope. For users comparing these two, the 4330 is the performance pick, while the 7100H suits a mobile or low-power build that can accept marginally lower scores.