CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4770 vs Intel Core i3-10320
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4770 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in June 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell family. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 3.9 GHz. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 84W TDP, it was the standard high-end CPU for the LGA 1150 socket. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing basic display capabilities without a dedicated GPU. The i7-4770 was a popular choice for gamers and content creators of its era, offering strong single-core performance and excellent multi-threading capabilities via Hyper-Threading. While it has been succeeded by multiple generations of newer architectures, it remains a capable performer for basic computing and older games. It does not have an unlocked multiplier, limiting overclocking potential, but its out-of-the-box performance was highly regarded in 2013.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Handles office suites and web apps well, but the 65W PL1 will cause throttling in long-running Excel macros or heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
Requires a discrete GPU for gaming. The CPU itself can handle budget GPUs without severe bottlenecking at 1080p.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
4 cores and 8 threads can run a couple of light virtual machines, but it is not ideal for dedicated lab environments.
Efficiency
84W TDP is high for this performance level by modern standards.
The 14nm process shows its age; newer Ryzen 3 parts offer significantly better performance per watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Lacks AVX-512 instructions
- Not suitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks AVX-512
- UHD 630 iGPU cannot handle modern games
- CPU performance is adequate for entry-level dedicated GPUs
- Lacks PCIe 4.0 for future GPU upgrades
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Was a top-tier performer in 2013
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Supports AVX2
- Includes VT-d
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High 84W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- High 4.6 GHz boost clock for snappy single-thread performance
- 8 threads provide good multitasking for the price
- Low 65W sustained power draw keeps temperatures down
- Includes enterprise features like TSX and TXT
- Solid performance for basic office environments
Cons
- OEM-exclusive, difficult to buy separately
- Confusing and misleading 91W TDP labeling
- DDR4-2666 memory speed cap
- Only 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes
- Outperformed by cheaper Ryzen 3 alternatives in multi-threaded tasks
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4770
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3770Rival
Desktop
Modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Excellent budget modern alternative.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Best value modern gaming CPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap and highly capable.
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade for old boards.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i3-10320
- AMD Ryzen 3 3100Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3300XRival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Athlon 3000GRival
Entry Desktop
- Intel Pentium Gold G6600Rival
Entry Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AFRival
Budget Desktop
Nearly identical performance but available at retail for a much lower price.
Compare head-to-headAdds 2 more cores for a significant multi-threaded boost at a reasonable price.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Superior multi-core performance, PCIe 4.0, and often priced competitively.
A massive generational leap in IPC and efficiency on the LGA 1700 platform.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary CPU from 2013 that still handles basic tasks, but struggles with modern multi-threaded workloads and lacks Windows 11 support.
Best for: The Core i7-4770 is a processor that should only be encountered in legacy systems or extremely budget-oriented used builds. If you already own a motherboard with this chip, it can still serve adequately for basic web browsing, office applications, and older games. However, it is not recommended for purchase today. The LGA 1150 platform is dead, meaning there is no upgrade path. Additionally, the lack of official Windows 11 support and high 84W TDP make it inefficient compared to modern budget processors like the Intel Core i3-12100. Avoid buying this CPU for new builds. It is best utilized by keeping existing hardware alive for light duties or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewA capable 4-core processor for basic computing, but its OEM exclusivity and confusing 91W/65W power spec make it irrelevant for custom builders.
Best for: The Intel Core i3-10320 is not a processor you should actively seek out to build a new PC, primarily because it was never intended for the retail market. If you are upgrading an existing OEM desktop that currently houses this chip, it is generally not worth the investment to swap it out for an i5 or i7 due to motherboard BIOS restrictions common in pre-built systems. However, if you are purchasing a used office PC on the cheap that contains the i3-10320, it remains surprisingly capable for everyday tasks. Its 4 cores and 8 threads, combined with a 4.6 GHz boost clock, handle web browsing, office applications, and 1080p media consumption without breaking a sweat. Just be aware of the 65W PL1 limit, which may throttle sustained workloads, and the DDR4-2666 memory speed cap, which slightly bottlenecks the integrated UHD 630 graphics. Avoid it for any serious gaming or content creation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4770 or Intel Core i3-10320?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4770 comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4770 or Intel Core i3-10320?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-10320 leads with a gaming performance score of 28/100 among Intel Core i7-4770 and Intel Core i3-10320.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4770 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4770 (84 W), Intel Core i3-10320 (91 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4770 and Intel Core i3-10320 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4770: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i3-10320: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-10320 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-10320 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.