Intel Core i3-4170 vs Intel Core i3-9320: A Comprehensive Comparison

When choosing the right processor for your computer, you often have to weigh the features and specifications that best suit your needs. Two popular options that come up for budget-conscious users are the Intel Core i3-4170 and Intel Core i3-9320. Both processors fall under Intel’s i3 series, but they belong to different generations, which means they come with varying features and performance capabilities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly processor for everyday tasks, gaming, or light multitasking, understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed decision.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the features, performance, price, and other important factors that separate the Intel Core i3-4170 from the Intel Core i3-9320. We will also include keywords like Intel Core i3-4170, Intel Core i3-9320, processor comparison, Intel i3 series, and other related terms that are useful for SEO and ranking purposes.

Intel Core i3-4170: Overview

The Intel Core i3-4170 is a 4th generation Intel processor, which was released back in 2015. It’s part of Intel’s Haswell architecture, designed to deliver solid performance for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and media consumption.

Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz
Cores: 2 Cores
Threads: 4 Threads
Cache: 3MB Intel Smart Cache
TDP (Thermal Design Power): 54W
Manufacturing Process: 22nm
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4400

The Intel Core i3-4170 processor offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for older systems and users who don’t require high-end performance for tasks like gaming or video editing. It supports hyper-threading, meaning each core can handle two threads at the same time, which helps in multitasking.

Intel Core i3-9320: Overview

The Intel Core i3-9320 is a newer processor, released in 2019, and it belongs to the 9th generation of Intel Core processors, based on the Coffee Lake architecture. With improved performance and efficiency compared to earlier models, the Intel Core i3-9320 is built to handle more demanding tasks, making it an excellent choice for more modern computing needs.

Base Clock Speed: 3.7 GHz
Cores: 4 Cores
Threads: 4 Threads
Cache: 6MB Intel Smart Cache
TDP: 62W
Manufacturing Process: 14nm
Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

One of the key upgrades of the Intel Core i3-9320 is its 4 cores, which allow for better multitasking and improved overall performance. Even though both the i3-4170 and the i3-9320 run at the same base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, the additional cores in the i3-9320 make it better equipped for handling modern workloads such as multitasking and light gaming.

Key Differences Between Intel Core i3-4170 and Intel Core i3-9320

Let’s break down the main differences between these two processors and help you understand which one may be more suitable for your needs.

1. Number of Cores and Threads

Intel Core i3-4170: The i3-4170 has 2 cores and 4 threads. While this configuration is suitable for everyday computing tasks like web browsing, emails, and office work, it may struggle with more demanding tasks such as video editing or running multiple applications simultaneously.
Intel Core i3-9320: The i3-9320, on the other hand, comes with 4 cores and 4 threads. More cores mean better performance in multitasking, and it can handle modern applications with greater efficiency. This makes the Intel Core i3-9320 a better choice for users who require a little more power for things like light gaming, moderate video editing, or running several applications at once.

2. Base Clock Speed and Turbo Boost

Intel Core i3-4170: With a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, the Intel Core i3-4170 does well for its age, delivering decent speed for most day-to-day tasks. However, it lacks Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology, meaning it can't dynamically increase its clock speed for more demanding tasks.
Intel Core i3-9320: Like the i3-4170, the Intel Core i3-9320 also has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, but it has better architecture and efficiency due to being a 9th-generation processor. The i3-9320 also supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology, allowing it to increase clock speeds beyond its base frequency when needed, enhancing performance during intensive tasks like gaming or rendering.

3. Cache Size

Intel Core i3-4170: The Intel Core i3-4170 has 3MB of Intel Smart Cache, which allows for quicker access to frequently used data, helping to improve overall performance, especially in tasks like web browsing or office work.
Intel Core i3-9320: The Intel Core i3-9320 comes with 6MB of Intel Smart Cache, which is double the cache size of the i3-4170. This larger cache improves performance in applications that require frequent data fetching, such as gaming or multimedia tasks.

4. Integrated Graphics

Intel Core i3-4170: This processor is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 4400. It’s decent for light video playback, some light gaming, and basic graphics tasks. However, it may struggle with more modern games or graphically intensive applications.
Intel Core i3-9320: The Intel Core i3-9320 features Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is a newer and more capable integrated graphics solution. It can handle 4K media playback, light gaming, and general tasks much better than the older HD Graphics 4400.

5. Thermal Design Power (TDP)

Intel Core i3-4170: The i3-4170 has a lower TDP of 54W, meaning it consumes less power and generates less heat, making it ideal for compact or energy-efficient systems.
Intel Core i3-9320: The i3-9320 has a slightly higher TDP of 62W. This means it consumes more power and may generate more heat, but in return, it offers better performance, especially with its extra cores and cache size.

6. Performance in Real-World Applications

When it comes to real-world performance, the Intel Core i3-9320 outshines the Intel Core i3-4170 in most scenarios. Whether you’re using your computer for basic tasks like browsing, word processing, or more demanding applications like gaming or media editing, the Intel Core i3-9320 will perform better thanks to its extra cores and newer architecture.

For example, the i3-9320 is significantly better at multitasking, running multiple applications, or even handling moderate video editing. On the other hand, the Intel Core i3-4170 is more suited for light, single-task workloads.

Which Processor Should You Choose?

The choice between the Intel Core i3-4170 and the Intel Core i3-9320 depends on your specific needs:

Go for the Intel Core i3-4170 if:
- You only need a basic processor for light computing tasks.
- Your budget is tight, and you're working with older hardware.
- Power efficiency and a lower TDP are your priority.
Go for the Intel Core i3-9320 if:
- You need more power for multitasking or moderate workloads.
- You're interested in light gaming or running more intensive applications.
- You want a more future-proof processor for modern needs.

Conclusion

In summary, both the Intel Core i3-4170 and the Intel Core i3-9320 have their strengths. The i3-4170 is a reliable, budget-friendly option for basic tasks, while the i3-9320 provides better overall performance with its additional cores, larger cache, and improved integrated graphics. For users looking for an upgrade or who need more power, the Intel Core i3-9320 is the clear winner.

Remember, when upgrading or building a new system, it’s essential to choose the right processor that fits your performance needs and budget. Whether you're working with an older PC or assembling a new one, the right choice will help you maximize your productivity and computing experience.