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Intel Core i3-4340: Review of an Outdated Yet Relevant Processor for Budget Tasks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.