Intel Core i3-7320 vs Intel Core i5-4430 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i3-7320 wins every recorded benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, though the margins are consistently narrow. The largest advantage appears in the Cinebench R20 single-core test, where the i3-7320 scores 240 against the i5-4430's 235, a 2.1% delta. The same 2.1% gap shows up in Cinebench R23 multi-core, with the i3-7320 posting 4057 versus 3974. These are not transformative leads, but they are uniform across every workload recorded.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-7320 scores 408 and the i5-4430 scores 400, a 2% delta. The single-core R15 result is nearly identical in percentage terms: 57 versus 56, a 1.8% advantage for the i3-7320. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows the same 2% margin as R15 multi-core, with scores of 1703 and 1669. The R23 single-core test rounds out the sweep with 572 versus 561, exactly a 2% delta.

The pattern is striking: the i3-7320 maintains a lead of roughly 2% in every discipline, whether the workload is inherently parallel or single-threaded. The i5-4430 has two additional physical cores, yet it cannot convert that hardware advantage into a benchmark win. The recorded data shows the i3-7320's higher base clock of 4.10 GHz, compared to the i5-4430's 3.00 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost, more than compensates for the core deficit in these Cinebench tests.

The average benchmark score tells the same story. The i3-7320 carries a 1173 average across the database, while the i5-4430 sits at 1149. Both processors land in the 33rd percentile of all CPUs, placing them in the same performance tier despite their architectural differences. The nearest rivals for the i3-7320 include the Intel Core i7-3635QM at 1170, a 0.3% gap, and the Intel Core i5-3550 at 1178, which is 0.4% faster. The i5-4430's closest competitors include the Intel Core i7-3612QE at 1147, the AMD Opteron 4284 at 1146, and the Intel Core i3-8145UE at 1154, which leads by 0.4%.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturing nodes and design eras. The i3-7320 uses a 14 nm process under the Kaby Lake architecture, while the i5-4430 uses a 22 nm process under Haswell. The i5-4430's transistor count is recorded at 1,400 million and its die size is 177 mm²; no equivalent figures are listed for the i3-7320. The node shrink gives the i3-7320 a thermal advantage, with a 51 W TDP compared to the i5-4430's 84 W TDP.

Core and thread counts differ significantly. The i3-7320 is a 2-core, 4-thread part with Hyper-Threading enabled, while the i5-4430 is a 4-core, 4-thread part without Hyper-Threading. The i5-4430 also has a boost clock of 3.20 GHz, a feature the i3-7320 lacks entirely; the i3-7320 runs at a fixed 4.10 GHz. Cache configurations differ as well: the i3-7320 has 4 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-4430 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Both share the same L1 and L2 allocations of 64 KB per core and 256 KB per core respectively.

Memory support separates the two clearly. The i3-7320 uses DDR4 memory with dual-channel support and a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-4430 uses DDR3 memory, also dual-channel, but no memory bandwidth figure is recorded in the database. Neither processor supports ECC memory. The PCIe interfaces also differ: the i3-7320 lists Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the i5-4430 lists Gen 3 without a lane count. The integrated graphics are different generations as well, with the i3-7320 carrying Intel HD 630 and the i5-4430 carrying Intel HD 4600.

Sockets are incompatible. The i3-7320 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-4430 uses Intel Socket 1150. This means the architectural differences are not merely academic; they dictate entirely different motherboard platforms. The release dates reinforce the generational gap, with the i3-7320 launching in early 2017 and the i5-4430 launching in mid-2013. The i3-7320 is still marked as active in production, while no production status is recorded for the i5-4430.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core Cinebench tests?

A: The Intel Core i3-7320 wins all three multi-core tests. It scores 408 in R15, 1703 in R20, and 4057 in R23, compared to the i5-4430's 400, 1669, and 3974. The deltas are 2%, 2%, and 2.1% respectively.

Q: Does the i5-4430's four physical cores give it an advantage?

A: No, the benchmark data does not support that. Despite having 4 cores versus 2, the i5-4430 loses every recorded benchmark to the i3-7320. The i3-7320's 4.10 GHz clock appears to offset the core deficit.

Q: What memory types do these processors support?

A: The i3-7320 supports DDR4 with a measured memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-4430 supports DDR3. Both use dual-channel memory buses, and neither supports ECC memory.

Q: Can I use the same motherboard for both CPUs?

A: No. The i3-7320 uses Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-4430 uses Intel Socket 1150. The sockets are physically different and not interchangeable.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i3-7320 has an average benchmark score of 1173, while the i5-4430 has an average of 1149. Both sit in the 33rd percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?

A: The i5-4430 has a TDP of 84 W, notably higher than the i3-7320's 51 W. The i3-7320's 14 nm process node contributes to its lower thermal envelope.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-7320 | Intel Core i5-4430 |

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

| Cores | 2 | 4 |

| Threads | 4 | 4 |

| Base Clock | 4.10 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | None | 3.20 GHz |

| TDP | 51 W | 84 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 |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| 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 4600 |

| Production Status | Active | Not recorded |

| Release Date | 2017-01-02 | 2013-06-01 |

| Part Number | SR358 | SR14G |

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i3-7320 wins in every measured benchmark category, so the straightforward use-case split favors it across the board. Its 4.10 GHz fixed clock makes it the stronger choice for single-threaded workloads, and the data confirms this: it leads by 1.8% in Cinebench R15 single-core, 2.1% in R20 single-core, and 2% in R23 single-core. The lower 51 W TDP also makes it the more thermally efficient option, which matters for compact desktop builds or systems with modest cooling. Its DDR4 memory support and 38.4 GB/s bandwidth give it a platform-level edge for users building on newer motherboards with Socket 1151.

The Intel Core i5-4430 does not win any recorded benchmark, but its specification sheet points to scenarios where it could still be relevant. The 4 physical cores and 6 MB of L3 cache, 50% more than the i3-7320, suggest it may handle workloads that are not represented in the Cinebench suite, particularly those that scale with core count and cache capacity rather than raw clock speed. The 3.20 GHz boost clock, while lower than the i3-7320's fixed clock, still adds flexibility. The i5-4430's 84 W TDP and 22 nm process mean it runs hotter and draws more power, so it is less suited to thermally constrained systems. Its DDR3 memory support and Socket 1150 platform appeal primarily to users with existing Haswell-era motherboards who want a quad-core upgrade without changing platforms.

The database's percentile ranking places both CPUs in the 33rd percentile, meaning they occupy the same overall performance tier. The i3-7320's average score of 1173 versus the i5-4430's 1149 reflects a 2.1% aggregate advantage. For users prioritizing newer platform features, lower power draw, and single-thread responsiveness, the i3-7320 is the clear pick. For users with legacy Socket 1150 boards who specifically need four physical cores and are willing to accept higher power consumption, the i5-4430 remains a functional option, though the recorded benchmarks show it trailing in every test. The i3-7320's active production status also means it remains available, while the i5-4430's production status is not recorded in the database.