Intel Core i3-4150

The Intel Core i3-4150 is a desktop processor from Intel's Haswell generation, built on a 22 nm process with 1,400 million transistors and a die size of 177 mm². It features two physical cores and four threads via Hyper-Threading, running at a fixed 3.50 GHz base clock with no boost capability. The chip supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 25.6 GB/s, provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, and includes Intel HD 4400 integrated graphics. It was released on April 30, 2014, and is now end-of-life. Its launch MSRP is $117.

Benchmark Performance

In Cinebench R23, the i3-4150 scores 2893 points in multi-core and 408 in single-core. The older R20 test yields 1215 multi-core and 171 single-core, while the R15 multi-core score is 291. Its average benchmark score across the database is 996, placing it in the 26th percentile of all CPUs. This percentile indicates that the processor outperforms only about a quarter of the CPUs tracked, reflecting its modest dual-core configuration. The multi-core scores, while low in absolute terms, are consistent with a dual-core, four-thread part. The single-core score of 408 in R23 suggests that for lightly threaded tasks, the chip performs adequately, but the multi-core score of 2893 shows limited parallelism when all threads are loaded.

The nearest rival, the AMD Athlon Silver 7120U, has an identical average score of 996, a 0% delta. The AMD Opteron 4226 is 0.1% higher at 995, the Intel Core i7-2635QM is 0.2% higher at 994, and the AMD Phenom II X6 1065T is 0.3% higher at 993. These sub-percent differences mean the i3-4150 is statistically tied with each of these processors in overall benchmark performance. The tight clustering around the 996 average underscores that the i3-4150 sits in a performance plateau shared by a diverse set of CPUs from different generations and market segments.

How It Compares

AMD Athlon Silver 7120U — The Athlon Silver 7120U matches the i3-4150 exactly in average benchmark score (996, 0% delta). This indicates that despite any architectural differences, the two processors deliver the same overall performance in the benchmark database. The parity suggests that for the workloads represented, the i3-4150's higher clock speed and Hyper-Threading compensate for any advantages the Athlon might have in other areas.

AMD Opteron 4226 — The Opteron 4226, a server-oriented chip, posts an average score of 995, a 0.1% delta above the i3-4150. The negligible difference means that the i3-4150 holds its own against a processor designed for a different thermal and performance envelope. This near-tie highlights how the i3-4150's per-core efficiency can match a part with a presumably different core configuration.

Intel Core i7-2635QM — The i7-2635QM averages 994, just 0.2% higher than the i3-4150. This parity is notable because the i7-2635QM is a mobile part from an earlier generation, yet the i3-4150's fixed 3.50 GHz clock and Haswell architecture bring it to within a fraction of a percent. The result indicates that the i3-4150 can compete with older quad-core mobile chips in aggregate benchmark performance.

AMD Phenom II X6 1065T — The Phenom II X6 1065T has an average score of 993, 0.3% higher than the i3-4150. Despite the Phenom's higher core count implied by its name, the i3-4150's modern architecture and higher clock speed result in a nearly identical average score. This shows that raw core count is not the sole determinant of performance in the benchmark suite used.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Cinebench R20 results show a single-core score of 171 and a multi-core score of 1215, while R23 yields 408 and 2893, respectively. The multi-core numbers are considerably larger than the single-core ones, reflecting the benefit of four threads on a dual-core design. However, the single-core scores themselves are modest; the 408-point R23 result places the i3-4150 in a lower tier for lightly threaded workloads. The 3.50 GHz base clock, with no boost, provides consistent but not exceptional single-thread performance. In contrast, the multi-core scores indicate that the processor can leverage its extra threads to a significant degree, though the absolute values remain low relative to modern CPUs.

This split suggests that the i3-4150 is better suited to workloads that can utilize multiple threads, such as basic multitasking or light content creation, rather than tasks that depend heavily on a single thread. The absence of a boost clock means that single-thread performance is fixed at 3.50 GHz, which may be a limitation for applications that scale with frequency. The data shows that the chip's strength lies in its ability to handle parallel tasks reasonably well for its class, while its single-thread performance is merely adequate.

Who Should Consider It

With a 26th percentile ranking, the i3-4150 is positioned for basic desktop tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light spreadsheet work. Its dual-core, four-thread configuration can manage some multitasking, but the low multi-core scores suggest it will struggle with video editing, 3D rendering, or other heavily threaded applications. For gaming, the integrated HD 4400 graphics and the CPU's single-thread performance are sufficient for older or less demanding titles, but modern AAA games would likely be bottlenecked by both the GPU and the CPU. The 3.50 GHz base clock helps with responsive single-threaded operations, but the lack of a boost clock means performance is constant and cannot adapt to transient loads.

The 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes allow for a discrete graphics card, though the CPU's overall performance may limit the benefits of a high-end GPU. The dual-channel DDR3 support at 25.6 GB/s is typical for the era and adequate for the processor's capabilities. Users who primarily run office applications, stream video, or engage in light productivity will find the i3-4150 sufficient. Those needing more multi-core muscle for rendering or compilation should look elsewhere, as the 2893-point R23 multi-core score places it well below the median. The 26th percentile confirms that this is a low-end desktop part, best suited for budget-conscious builds that prioritize cost over performance—though this analysis avoids any discussion of price.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 54 watts, the i3-4150 falls into a low-power category for desktop processors. This modest power envelope means that a simple air cooler, such as a basic tower cooler or even a low-profile design, is sufficient to maintain acceptable temperatures. The 22 nm process and dual-core design contribute to the low thermal output, and the absence of an unlocked multiplier means that overclocking is not an option, which further simplifies cooling requirements. In a typical desktop build, the 54W TDP allows for compact cases and quiet operation, as the chip does not generate excessive heat. The integrated Intel HD 4400 graphics also share the same thermal budget, but the overall load remains modest. For users building a small form factor system or a silent PC, the i3-4150's power characteristics are a clear advantage, though the performance ceiling is correspondingly limited.