Gaming & Rendering Comparison: Core i3 2100 vs i5 2500 vs i3 4130 vs i5 4670

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of ECS Motherboards
3. Comparison of Intel H61 and H81 Chipsets
   1. Socket 1155 vs Socket 1150
4. Performance Comparison of Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 Processors
   1. Intel Core i3-1000 Series
   2. Intel Core i5-2500 Gen 2
   3. Intel Core i3-4130 Gen 4
   4. Intel Core i5-4670
5. testing and Benchmark Results
   1. CPU-Z and WPrime Tests
   2. Cinebench R20 Test
   3. Adobe Premiere Pro 2019 Rendering Test
   4. Game Tests: Assassin's Creed Origins, Resident Evil 7, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Horizon Zero DAWN
6. Conclusion
7. Additional Resources

🖥️ Overview of ECS Motherboards

ECS, a renowned brand in the motherboard industry, offers two options that cater to different needs. The first motherboard features the Intel H61 chipset with a Socket 1155, while the Second one boasts the H81 chipset with a Socket 1150. Although these generations may be considered old, they still offer reliable performance, especially for the budget-friendly Intel Core i5 processors. In this article, we will compare the gaming and rendering performance of the four Intel processors that I have in front of me: the Intel Core i3-1000, Core i5-2500 Gen 2, Core i3-4130 Gen 4, and Core i5-4670.

📋 Comparison of Intel H61 and H81 Chipsets

Before diving into the performance comparison, let's first understand the differences between the Intel H61 and H81 chipsets and their respective sockets. The H61 chipset is paired with the Socket 1155, while the H81 chipset utilizes the Socket 1150. These chipsets represent two different generations of Intel processors. While the H61 may be considered older, it still holds up well in terms of performance. However, it is worth noting that the H81 chipset offers better compatibility with newer components, making it a more future-proof choice.

⚙️ Performance Comparison of Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 Processors

Now let's take a closer look at the four processors in question: the Intel Core i3-1000, Core i5-2500 Gen 2, Core i3-4130 Gen 4, and Core i5-4670. Each of these processors belongs to a different generation and offers varying levels of performance.

1. Intel Core i3-1000 Series: The entry-level Core i3-1000 series processor comes at an affordable price point and is usually bundled with a decent heatsink fan. However, being a dual-core processor, it falls behind in terms of performance compared to its quad-core counterparts. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of this processor is relatively low, making it energy-efficient.

2. Intel Core i5-2500 Gen 2: The Core i5-2500 Gen 2 processor, despite its age, delivers impressive performance at a price point below $150. It can still be paired with mid-range graphics cards like the GTX 1050 Ti, GTX 1650, or RX 570, offering a good gaming experience. While it may not match the performance of the newer Core i5 processors, it provides excellent value for the price.

3. Intel Core i3-4130 Gen 4: The Core i3-4130 from the Gen 4 Hardwell series offers a slight performance improvement over the Core i5-2500 Gen 2 while maintaining a similar price range. Although it is a dual-core processor, its TDP is lower than that of the Core i5-2500, making it more power-efficient.

4. Intel Core i5-4670: The Core i5-4670 is yet another budget-friendly option that delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank. With its reasonable price and performance comparable to the Core i5-6500, it offers an attractive choice for buyers. In terms of gaming and rendering performance, it is a worthwhile investment.

🔬 Testing and Benchmark Results

To assess the gaming and rendering capabilities of these processors, I conducted various tests and benchmarks. Here are the results:

1. CPU-Z and WPrime Tests: The CPU-Z and WPrime tests help evaluate both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. In terms of multitasking, the Core i5 processors outperform the Core i3 processors. However, the difference in single-threaded performance is minimal, with the Core i5 Gen 2 and i3-4130 being almost on par.

2. Cinebench R20 Test: The Cinebench R20 test further showcases the performance disparity between the processors. The Core i5-2500 and Core i3-4130 have a slight performance gap, while the Core i5-4670 falls in between the Core i3-4130 and Core i5-6500.

3. Adobe Premiere Pro 2019 Rendering Test: Rendering a full HD video with a 10Mbps speed rate in Adobe Premiere Pro 2019 allows for a real-world assessment of rendering performance. While the exact duration of the video may vary, the difference in rendering speed between the processors is clearly visible.

4. Game Tests: Assassin's Creed Origins, Resident Evil 7, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Horizon Zero Dawn: Testing these popular games at full HD resolution with high graphics settings reveals the performance discrepancies among the processors. While the Core i3 Gen 2 struggles with frame rates and can cause gameplay issues, the Core i5 Gen 2 performs better but still falls short in terms of overall FPS. On the other hand, the Core i3-4130 and Core i5-4670 perform well, with the latter offering a more consistent FPS rate.

🔍 Conclusion

In conclusion, the ECS motherboards featuring the Intel H61 and H81 chipsets provide solid performance options for budget-conscious PC builders. When choosing between the Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, it is essential to consider your specific needs and budget. The Core i5-2500 Gen 2 and Core i5-4670 offer reliable performance at affordable prices, making them suitable choices for gaming and rendering tasks. However, the Core i3-4130 also provides a cost-effective option, delivering satisfactory performance with lower power consumption. Ultimately, the decision depends on your requirements and available budget.

Additional Resources

• ECS Official Website
• Intel Official Website