Intel Core i3-4340
Intel Core i3-4340: Review of an Outdated Yet Relevant Processor for Budget Tasks
April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Haswell Architecture and Modest Performance
The Intel Core i3-4340 processor, released in 2013, belongs to the fourth generation of Intel Core (codename Haswell). Despite its age, it remains an interesting option for extremely limited budgets.
- Manufacturing Process: 22 nm.
- Cores and Threads: 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading support (4 threads).
- Frequency: Base — 3.6 GHz (no turbo mode).
- Cache: L3 — 4 MB.
- Graphics: Intel HD 4600 (base frequency — 350 MHz, max — 1150 MHz).
- Performance: In the Geekbench 6 test (2025) — 1105 (single-core), 2380 (multi-core).
Key Features:
- Support for AVX2 instructions, relevant for certain work tasks.
- Integrated graphics HD 4600, capable of decoding 4K video (but can't run contemporary games).
- Low power consumption (TDP 54 W).
Practical Example: The i3-4340 can handle an office PC with Windows 10/11 and a suite of programs (browser, office suite), but it struggles with multitasking.
2. Compatible Motherboards: A Hunt for Relics
The processor uses the LGA 1150 socket, which has been discontinued. In 2025, new motherboards for this socket are virtually non-existent, but they may be found in warehouses or from small suppliers.
Recommended Chipsets:
- H81/B85: Budget options supporting DDR3 and PCIe 2.0.
- H87/Z87: For enthusiasts (memory overclocking, more SATA 6 Gb/s ports).
Selection Tips:
- Check for USB 3.0 and M.2 connectors (rare for motherboards of that era).
- New boards, if found, range from $80 to $120 (e.g., ASUS H81M-K).
Important: Many LGA 1150 motherboards do not support UEFI BIOS, complicating the installation of Windows 11.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The Core i3-4340 works exclusively with DDR3 (up to 32 GB, 1600 MHz). In 2025, this is a significant drawback:
- Prices: New 8 GB DDR3 modules start at $25 (but are often sold used for $10-15).
- Limitations: Low speed (compared to DDR4/DDR5) and high power consumption.
Advice: Use a dual-channel configuration (2x8 GB) to boost the performance of the integrated graphics.
4. Power Supply: Minimum Cost
With a TDP of 54 W, the processor does not require a powerful PSU:
- Without a discrete graphics card: A 300 W power supply is sufficient (e.g., be quiet! SFX Power 3 300W, $40).
- With a graphics card: For a GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 (TDP 75 W), a 450 W PSU is needed (Corsair CX450, $55).
Assembly Mistakes: Don’t skimp on the PSU—older models with low efficiency can damage components.
5. Pros and Cons: Who is it Relevant for in 2025?
Pros:
- Low price: New processors (if available) are $50-70.
- Energy efficiency.
- Support for basic tasks and HD video.
Cons:
- Only 2 cores limit multitasking.
- No support for DDR4, PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2.
- Outdated graphics for modern gaming.
6. Use Cases: Where Else is it Useful?
- Office Tasks: Document work, video calls (but no more than 2-3 tabs in Chrome).
- Multimedia: Viewing 4K videos through VLC with hardware decoding.
- Retro Gaming: Games up to 2015 (Skyrim, CS:GO on low settings — 40-60 FPS).
- Home Server: NAS based on Linux (e.g., OpenMediaVault).
Real Example: A user built a media center on i3-4340 + 8 GB DDR3 + 256 GB SSD. Running Kodi and streaming 4K — no problems.
7. Comparison with Competitors: Budget Showdown
- AMD Athlon 3000G (2025, $60): 2 cores/4 threads, Vega 3, DDR4 support. Performance in Geekbench 6: 1250/2500. Plus — newer platform.
- Intel Pentium Gold G6400 (2025, $70): 2 cores/4 threads, UHD 610, DDR4. Geekbench 6: 1350/2600.
Conclusion: The Core i3-4340 lags behind modern budget CPUs but may be a good deal when purchased "as a set" with a motherboard and memory for $100-150.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- SSD is a must: Kingston A400 240 GB ($30) will eliminate system "lag".
- Cooling: The stock cooler is adequate, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4, $5).
- Upgrade: Don’t plan on it — the platform is dead. Better to build a PC based on AMD AM4 (budget Ryzen 3).
Sample Build for $200:
- CPU: i3-4340 (used, $30).
- Motherboard: H81 (used, $40).
- Memory: DDR3 8 GB (new, $25).
- SSD: 240 GB ($30).
- PSU: 400 W (new, $45).
- Case: used ($20).
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the Core i3-4340 For?
This processor is suitable for:
1. Budget-conscious users who need a PC for browsing and office tasks.
2. Retro PC enthusiasts building systems for older games.
3. People with a limited budget ($150-200 for the complete build).
Why not to choose it: If you plan to use modern applications or games — even budget Ryzen 3 5300G (2025, $100) will be three times faster.
Conclusion: The Core i3-4340 is a "workhorse" from the past that can still serve in 2025, but only in very limited scenarios.