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Intel Core i3-4130 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£35PassMark multi-core score:3334N. of physical cores:2CPU boost clock speed:?CPU socket:LGA1150TDP (Thermal design power):54 W

Intel Core i3-4130 Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i3-4130

6.0/10

▼Worse than 75% of processors

7.2

▼Worse than 60%

4.4

▼Worse than 74%

7.7

▲Better than 55%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

3.6
Gaming
Gaming
3.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
2.9
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
3.5
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
?
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.3
L3 cache
8.0%
1.0
N. of physical cores
1.9
Video editing
Video editing
1.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
2.4
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
1.0
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.1
CPU threads
15.0%
1.3
L3 cache

Where to buy

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i3-4130

Based on 3 · 10

Reviewers love the value and Hyper-Threading for everyday tasks, but dislike having only two cores, and gaming opinions are evenly split.

Praised

Mixed views

Criticised

Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i3-4130

Based on 77 owners sharing their experience in online comments

52%positive8%mixed40%negative

Owners appreciate the affordable gaming performance, though demanding games often expose low frame rates and CPU bottlenecks.

What owners like

Plays many games smoothly, including Fortnite, Warzone, GTA V, BF4 and Flight Simulator X, when paired with a suitable graphics card.28
Pairs well with many graphics cards, from GTX 750 Ti and R9 270 up to GTX 1050 Ti and GTX 1060 without bottlenecking.15
Good value for a budget gaming build, often sold cheaply and well suited to games with a modest GPU.9
Keeps working well for years, with owners still using it for gaming and daily tasks long after its launch.5
Handles everyday desktop work, web development, music production and multitasking without trouble when it has 8 GB RAM and an SSD.4

What owners dislike

Many owners see low frame rates in demanding games like GTA V, Witcher 2, Minecraft and Battlefield 4, especially with weaker graphics cards.14
Owners report stutters and sudden frame drops in games like Fortnite, even with capable graphics cards such as a GTX 1070 Ti.6
Owners say the CPU bottlenecks faster graphics cards, leaving GPU usage at 50–60% and capping frame rates in demanding titles.5
With weaker graphics cards, the CPU often hits full 100% usage, causing lag in games.3
Some owners report games freezing, hanging or crashing, sometimes after about half an hour of play.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3-4130

6.0

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Platform

7.5

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Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

Instruction sets

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What reviewers say

Performance

3.9

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

?

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

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What reviewers say

Architecture

4.1

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

?

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Memory & PCIe

4.4

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

?

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

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Integrated graphics

6.3

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

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What reviewers say

Power & Thermal

7.5

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

Tau (power duration limit)

N/A

Configurable TDP

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What reviewers say

Intel Core i3-4130 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i3-4130 better than the average processor?

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6.53x faster Blender rendering
This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (2,599 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
2,599 vs 398.015
Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
14.9% higher review score
Reviews score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
80%
7.4
Average grade
20%
8.7
Popularity
Grades by review (11)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
7.7 vs 6.7
Supports ECC memory
This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i3-4130 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250
15.6% lower boost power
This processor has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (54 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
54 W vs 64 W

14.9% higher review score
Reviews score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
80%
7.4
Average grade
20%
8.7
Popularity
Grades by review (11)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
7.7 vs 6.7
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i3-4130 is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250

6.53x faster Blender rendering
This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (2,599 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
2,599 vs 398.015

Supports ECC memory
This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.

Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
15.6% lower boost power
This processor has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (54 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
54 W vs 64 W

Why is Intel Core i3-4130 worse than the average processor?

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70.9% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,334 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
3,334 vs 11,469
4 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
2 vs 6
26.5% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,879 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
1,879 vs 2,558
54.3% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,378 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
2,378 vs 5,209
83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
2 fewer performance cores
This processor has fewer performance cores than the average processor (2 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
2 vs 4
Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK

38.9% lower sentiment score
4.4 vs 7.2

Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
7 years older release date
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2013 vs 2020).
September 2013
2013 vs 2020
More limited crypto acceleration
This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
AES vs AES, SHA

70.9% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,334 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
3,334 vs 11,469
4 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
2 vs 6
26.5% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,879 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
1,879 vs 2,558
54.3% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,378 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
2,378 vs 5,209
2 fewer performance cores
This processor has fewer performance cores than the average processor (2 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
2 vs 4
4 fewer CPU threads
This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4 vs 8
23% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,182 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
1,182 vs 1,535
Lower base clock
This processor has a lower base clock than the average processor (2x3.4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
2x3.4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
No speed boosting
This processor does not support automatic speed boosting, while the average processor does. 87.7% of processors offer this.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s

83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
83.3% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
0.5 MB vs 3 MB
50% less L2 per core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
Less advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
Haswell vs Kaby Lake
66.7% smaller L3 cache
This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
3 MB vs 9 MB
18.9% less L3 per core
This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
71.7% fewer transistors
This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion
Less advanced foundry
This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm

50% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
45.4% lower memory bandwidth
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Older DDR support
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
DDR3 vs DDR4
50% less memory capacity
This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
32 GB vs 64 GB
Limited PCIe bifurcation
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4

Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)

No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
20% higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (54 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
54 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0

Jaindike Tech Reviews

≈ estimated

28/02/2022

Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks in modern titles

Verdict

Intel Core i3-4130 is a budget gaming option that runs most modern games, though frame rates lag in demanding titles.

7.0

Renel Tech Studio (Renel Tech Studio)

≈ estimated

15/08/2021

Hands-on test · integrated graphics gaming on a prebuilt PC

Verdict

Intel Core i3-4130 is usable for browsing, video chat and light esports, but most modern games struggle.

6.0

Jordan Woolery

≈ estimated

18/01/2020

Hands-on review · gaming tests in an old office PC

Verdict

Intel Core i3-4130 is playable in many games, but it is not worth buying, with the dual-core CPU as a bottleneck.

7.0

Nicolas11x12 English

✓ explicit

13/09/2013

Hands-on review · benchmarks, unboxing and gaming tests

Verdict

Intel Core i3-4130 is a good budget choice for basic tasks and gaming, but its dual-core design means it is not future-proof.

8.0

Mikes Tek

≈ estimated

01/06/2014

Unboxing and overview · first impressions

Verdict

Intel Core i3-4130 is a good processor for basic computing, with a useful upgrade path for later builds.

9.0

Austin Evans

≈ estimated

14/09/2013

Comparison · gaming benchmarks against the Core i5-4670K

Verdict

Intel Core i3-4130 is a surprisingly capable budget gaming chip that's worth a look for single-GPU builds.

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Nicolas11x12 English · 13/09/2013

Test report · benchmarks, temperatures and power draw

Intel Core i3-4130 is a good-value budget CPU for simple tasks, but it isn't future-proof for demanding games.

Likes

Good performance for the price
Good overall performance for simple everyday tasks
Runs cool, and the stock cooler is enough
Allows cheaper motherboards thanks to integrated voltage regulators

Dislikes

Weak HD 4400 integrated graphics, not enough for smooth gaming
Low frame rates in Crysis 3 due to the dual-core design
Rendering, video and photo editing aren't its strong points

THE GAME IHD · 03/03/2025

Hands-on review · God of War performance test on a budget PC

Intel Core i3-4130 is playable at around 30 fps on low settings, a big step up from integrated graphics.

Likes

Playable frame rates on the RX 550 at low settings
Clearly better than integrated graphics
Stable enough for the game at 30 fps

Dislikes

Only around 30 fps, not a steady 60
CPU hits 100% usage in some areas
Dual-core design limits performance

AndrosCroll Hardware · 17/04/2024

Hands-on test · GTA V and game tests at 1080p

Intel Core i3-4130 handles family use and older games well, but falls short in demanding titles, so a stronger CPU is advised.

Likes

GTA V runs smoothly at 1080p in this build
Suits a basic family computer
Very low power draw
Runs popular older games without issues

Dislikes

Only 8 GB of RAM limits performance
Dual-core CPU struggles with very demanding titles
Basic H81 board has no heatsinks on its VRMs
Struggles in demanding games such as Starfield or Cyberpunk

AndrosCroll Hardware · 06/06/2021

Gaming test · FPS in GTA V, Fortnite and Scavengers

Intel Core i3-4130 is a fair buy at its low price for budget gaming, though demanding titles like Cyberpunk are out of reach.

Likes

Playable frame rates in GTA V and Scavengers
Good performance for such a low price
Stays smooth even during fights in Scavengers

Dislikes

Cyberpunk and similar demanding games are out of reach
Low graphics settings needed in most games
Clearly weaker than what the games demand

Hands-on video, no verdict

Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0

pcmag.com

✓ explicit

02/04/2014

Intel Core i3-4130 Review - PCMag

Lab review · Dual-core desktop CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-4130 is a sensible dual-core pick for gamers with a graphics card, but its built-in graphics trail AMD's APUs and it needs a new motherboard.

7.0

chip.de

≈ estimated

06/12/2013

Intel Core i3-4130 (Desktop Processor) Review

Lab test · Entry-level desktop CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-4130 is a low-power chip for office work and HD video, but it lacks Turbo mode and the AMD FX-6300 offers more speed.

7.0

hardware.fr

≈ estimated

01/09/2013

Intel Core i3-4130 and i3-4340 review: affordable Haswell

Lab test · Dual-core Haswell CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-4130 is a Haswell dual-core that beats the Ivy Bridge i3-3240 in games, but it draws more power and has weak graphics.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3-4130

Affordable entry-point for budget-conscious builds and mainstream PC users
Supports Hyper-Threading, allowing it to handle up to four threads despite being a dual-core chip
Excellent energy efficiency with low power requirements and thermal output (54W TDP)
Stronger single-core performance compared to similarly priced AMD APUs of its era
Capable of handling basic 1080p video playback and office multitasking smoothly

What customers don't like about Intel Core i3-4130

Lacks the raw 'muscle' of quad-core processors for heavy workloads like HD video editing or rendering
Locked multiplier prevents any CPU overclocking
Integrated Intel HD 4400 graphics are weak and unsuitable for modern or demanding 3D gaming
Dual-core architecture makes it less 'future-proof' as newer applications increasingly rely on more physical cores
No Turbo Boost support, limiting performance to its fixed 3.4GHz base clock

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-4130 is a dual-core desktop processor based on the 4th Generation Haswell architecture, featuring 4 threads via Hyper-Threading and a fixed base frequency of 3.4 GHz. It utilizes a 22nm manufacturing process, fits the LGA 1150 socket, and includes 3 MB of Intel Smart Cache with a relatively low 54W TDP. Key advantages include strong single-core performance for its era, support for ECC memory and AVX2 instructions, and a power-efficient design that remains suitable for basic office tasks and light media consumption. However, the processor lacks Intel Turbo Boost technology, features a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking, and relies on integrated HD Graphics 4400, which struggles with modern gaming or intensive video editing compared to quad-core alternatives.

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Compare Intel Core i3-4130 with other processors

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