Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i3-4170 (Intel, 2014) and Core i7-920 (Intel, 2010) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i3-4170 is about 6.7% faster
The sockets differ (LGA1150 / LGA1156), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i3-4170 | i7-920 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 4,800 | 4,500 |
| Generation | 4th Gen | 1st Gen |
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1156 |
| Release Year | 2014 | 2010 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce GTX 690 | Radeon RX 6400 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i3-4170 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i7-920 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i3-4170 is about 6.7% higher by score (i3-4170: 4800 points / i7-920: 4500 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
i3-4170 is 4th Gen, while i7-920 is 1st Gen.The sockets differ (LGA1150 / LGA1156), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce GTX 690 pairs well with i3-4170 and Radeon RX 6400 pairs well with i7-920. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
