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Intel Core i3 4160 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£9
  • PassMark benchmark result: 3501
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: N/A GHz

Intel Core i3 4160 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.0

Technical Score

10.0%

8.3

User score

Poor
4.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

3.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.5

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

Poor
8.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

8.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(201)
amazon
2.9
(5)
amazon
3.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 1.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    0.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.4

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i3-4160
intel-core-i3-4160

Best prices in UK

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-4160 is a 4th-generation 'Haswell' desktop processor featuring 2 physical cores and 4 threads via Hyper-Threading, operating at a fixed base frequency of 3.6 GHz with a 54W TDP. Built on a 22nm process, it includes 3MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports up to 32GB of DDR3-1333/1600 memory, and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4400. Its main pros include strong single-core performance for its era, excellent value for budget office or home builds, and reliable stability for light gaming and daily multitasking. However, its primary cons are the lack of Turbo Boost technology, a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking, and its dual-core architecture, which increasingly struggles with modern, highly threaded applications and intensive gaming.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 4160

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

3.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.5

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

6.4

Integrated Graphics

4.0
Intel Core i3 4160 has a technical score of 4 points, which is lower than that of 81.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

8.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(201)
amazon
2.9
(5)
amazon
3.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.3
Intel Core i3 4160 has a user score of 8.26 points, which is higher than that of 84.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
8.1
Intel Core i3 4160 has a popularity of 8.1 points, which is higher than 86.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.1
Intel Core i3 4160 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 61% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i3 4160 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1150
Intel Core i3 4160 uses the LGA1150 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 56.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.8% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

H97, Z97, H87, Q87, B85, Q85, Z87, H81
Intel Core i3 4160 supports H97, Z97, H87, Q87, B85, Q85, Z87, H81 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 52.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 4160 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i3 4160 has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 4160 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 4160 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

N/A
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 3.6 GHz
Intel Core i3 4160 has a base clock of 2x3.6 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i3 4160 uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i3 4160 is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

3 MB
Intel Core i3 4160 has an L3 cache of 3 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 5.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core i3 4160 has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i3 4160 has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i3 4160 supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i3 4160 supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i3 4160 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i3 4160 supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 4160 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 4400
Intel Core i3 4160 uses the Intel HD Graphics 4,400 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 68.8% of processors and equal to that in 0.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

20
Intel Core i3 4160 has 20 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 51.6% of processors and equal to 4.4% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i3 4160 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i3 4160 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 51.5% of processors and equal to 0.9% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

54 W
Intel Core i3 4160 has a TDP of 54 W which is higher than that of 62.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

54 W
Intel Core i3 4160 has a base power of 54 W which is higher than that of 62.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

N/A
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i3 4160 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i3 4160 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 4160 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 4160 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i3 4160 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Can work with ECC memory, which helps detect and correct certain memory errors on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When long-term stability, uptime, or data integrity matter more than a basic consumer-style setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i3 4160 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 8.12x more popular
    Intel Core i3 4160 is more popular than the average processor (8.12 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i3 4160 is more popular than the average processor (8.12 vs 1,000).8.12 vs 1
  • 27.78x cheaper
    Intel Core i3 4160 is cheaper than the average processor (£9 vs £250).
    Intel Core i3 4160 is cheaper than the average processor (£9 vs £250).£9 vs £250
  • 3.3% higher user score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.26 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.26 vs 8,000).8.26 vs 8
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i3 4160 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i3 4160 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • 6 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 4160 has an older release date than the average processor (2014 vs 2020).
    July 2,014
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 4160 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i3 4160 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 4160 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 77.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,075 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 20.4% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,977 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 26.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,075 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 66.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,501 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 4160 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i3 4160 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.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • No Turbo Boost
    Intel Core i3 4160 does not support Turbo Boost, the average processor does.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 62.5% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 4160 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.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 4160 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i3 4160 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i3 4160 has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i3 4160 uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 4160 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 4160 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i3 4160 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,400 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 4160 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 20% higher base power
    Intel Core i3 4160 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.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 4160 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 4160 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 77.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,075 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,075 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,075 vs 4,793
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i3 4160 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
  • 20.4% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,977 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,977 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,977 vs 2,483
  • 26.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,075 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,075 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,075 vs 1,471
  • 66.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,501 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (3,501 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.3,501 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 4160 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i3 4160 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i3 4160 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 4160 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
201 Reviews
amazon
2.9
5 Reviews
amazon
3.0
2 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i3 4160?

  • Excellent value for money in the budget and used market.
  • Highly efficient for light tasks like web browsing, emails, and home office work.
  • Hyper-threading technology provides a significant performance boost over standard dual-core models.
  • Operates at stable temperatures (typically 55-60°C under load) and is power efficient.
  • Strong performance in older or less demanding titles like GTA V and CS:GO.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 4160?

  • Outdated 2-core/4-thread architecture struggles with modern AAA gaming and multitasking.
  • Integrated Intel HD 4400 graphics are insufficient for anything beyond basic desktop use.
  • Locked multiplier prevents any significant overclocking to improve performance.
  • Limited to older DDR3 memory, making it less future-proof compared to newer platforms.
  • Under-powered for heavy productivity tasks such as video rendering or 3D modelling.

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
17/03/2026
Intel Core i3-4160 @ 3.60GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i3-4160 is a Q3 2014 budget desktop processor based on the 22nm Haswell architecture, featuring 2 cores, 4 threads, and a fixed 3.60 GHz clock speed. Pros include strong single-thread performance for daily tasks, office work, and student use, paired with a power-efficient 54W TDP. The chip also integrates HD Graphics 4400 and supports modern AVX 2.0 instructions....Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
Not Specified
Intel Core i3-4160 BX80646I34160 - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i3-4160 is a 4th generation "Haswell" desktop processor for the LGA 1150 socket, featuring two cores, four threads, and a 3.6 GHz base frequency, suited for general tasks. Key advantages include its high value for budget-conscious users, effective multitasking capabilities, and support for AVX2 instruction sets. However, the processor lacks modern features such as...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
21/03/2016
AMD A10-7890K APU - Office Application Benchmarks

The Tom's Hardware review characterizes the AMD A10-7890K as the peak of the Kaveri-based APU family, featuring four Steamroller CPU cores and eight Radeon R7 GPU cores designed for budget gaming. A key highlight is the bundled, quieter Wraith cooler that efficiently handles 125W of heat. However, the APU faces performance limitations, as it throttles its CPU clock rate when the GPU...Read more

N
notebookcheck.nl
16/11/2015
Dell Inspiron 15 7559 - Notebookcheck.nl (Inclusief i3-4160 benchmarks) Would you like me to look for Dutch video reviews or perhaps help you compare...

The Dell Inspiron 15-7559 is recognized as a high-value budget gaming laptop featuring an Intel Core i5/i7 quad-core processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M, delivering strong 1080p performance for its price point. A primary advantage is its exceptional maintainability, allowing easy access for component upgrades. However, the build, which is mostly plastic with a soft-touch finish,...Read more

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