Intel Core i3-4160 vs AMD Athlon X4 950
Buy the AMD Athlon X4 950 for a new budget build: four real cores, DDR4 support and the AM4 socket give it a longer upgrade path. Buy the Intel Core i3-4160 only if you already own an LGA 1150 board and DDR3 memory. No prices were provided for either chip, so compare live store prices on this page before deciding.
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Intel Core i3-4160
Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Processor
Choose the Core i3-4160 if you are repairing or upgrading an existing LGA 1150 system with DDR3 RAM and want integrated graphics without adding a video card.
- Integrated graphics means no video card needed for office or media use
- Low 54 W TDP runs cool and quiet
- Supports ECC memory and up to 32 GB DDR3
- 3.6 GHz base clock is higher than the Athlon's
What separates them
| Intel Core i3-4160 | AMD Athlon X4 950 | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1150 (Socket H3) | Socket AM4 |
| Cores / threads | 2 cores, 4 threads | 4 cores, 4 threads |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Memory support | DDR3/DDR3L at 1333-1600 MHz, up to 32 GB, ECC | DDR4 at up to 2400 MHz, dual channel |
| Integrated graphics | Yes, HDMI up to 4096x2304 at 24 Hz, 3 monitors | No, discrete GPU required |
| TDP | 54 W | 65 W |
| Included cooler | Not stated | No |
| Platform age | 2014 Haswell generation |
Price history
- Intel Core i3-4160: lowest $15.00 on Nov 2 at StarMicroInc.Net.
- AMD Athlon X4 950: lowest $29.99 on Nov 3 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Intel Core i3-4160
- Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
- StarMicroInc.NetCheck price at StarMicroInc.Net
- IT Hardware HubCheck price at IT Hardware Hub
AMD Athlon X4 950
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
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Specs compared
| Spec | Intel Core i3-4160 | AMD Athlon X4 950 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Type | LGA 1150 (Socket H3) | Socket AM4 |
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| RAM Type | DDR3-SDRAM, DDR3L-SDRAM | DDR4 |
| Clock Speed | 3.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Number Of Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1.15 GHz (graphics max dynamic frequency) | 4 GHz (Athlon X4 970) |
| Number Of Threads | 4 | 4 threads |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 54 W | 65W |
| FSB Speed | 5 GT/s (System bus data transfer rate) | 2400 MHz |
| Memory Type | DDR3-SDRAM, DDR3L-SDRAM |
What reviewers say
Intel Core i3-4160
- 4.8 / 574 ratings
Buyers rate it highly, with 4.8 out of 5 from 74 ratings. Owners describe it as a reliable, cool-running chip for office PCs and light home use, and note it is a cheap drop-in upgrade for older 1150 boards.
- PerformanceMixedOwners find it fast for everyday tasks but limited by only two cores under heavy multitasking.
- ThermalsPraisedThe 54 W TDP keeps it cool and quiet with a stock cooler.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for gaming?
- The Athlon X4 950, but only with a discrete graphics card, since it has no integrated GPU. The i3-4160's integrated graphics can run older or light titles at low settings.
- Which is better for an office PC?
- The Core i3-4160, because its integrated graphics and 54 W TDP suit a small, quiet office build with no video card.
- Which has the better upgrade path?
- The Athlon X4 950. AM4 boards accept newer AMD processors, while LGA 1150 has no newer CPUs and uses DDR3.
- Does the Athlon X4 950 come with a cooler?
- No. Budget for a separate AM4-compatible cooler. The i3-4160 listing does not state whether a cooler is included, so check before buying.
- Is the i3-4160 worth it over the Athlon?
- Only if you already own an LGA 1150 board and DDR3 RAM. For a new build, the Athlon's four cores and DDR4 support make it the better base.
