Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i5-12600K

VS
Performance
Core i7-4790
9,13325% of 36,991
Core i5-12600K174% better
25,01768% of 36,991

The Core i5-12600K has 174% better performance than the Core i7-4790 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-4790
29.2724% of 121.53
Core i5-12600K196% better
86.5671% of 121.53

The Core i5-12600K has 196% better value for the money than the Core i7-4790 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i7-4790 CPU

The Intel Core i7-4790 is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q2 2014 with a suggested retail price of $312. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Haswell microarchitecture. The i7-4790 is compatible with Intel Socket 1150 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-4790 supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-4790 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 8 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-4790 features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.0 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-4790 includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 4600. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-4790 has the 273rd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 24.69% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 9,133 score and $312 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 29.27. This is the 123rd best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Core i5-12600K CPU

The Intel Core i5-12600K is a 10-core (16-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2021 with a suggested retail price of $289. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i5-12600K is compatible with Intel Socket 1700 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process. It features the UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-12600K supports DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-12600K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 80 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1.25 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 20 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-12600K features 10 total cores which can process 16 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The 10 cores consist of 6 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores. P-Cores are designed for high-performance tasks and E-Cores are intended for efficiency and lighter tasks. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.7 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.9 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-12600K includes an integrated graphics solution called UHD Graphics 770. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i5-12600K has the 26th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 67.63% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 25,017 score and $289 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 86.56. This is the 12th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i7Core i5
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ2 2014Q4 2021
Launch Price (MSRP)$312$289
Production StatusEnd-of-lifeActive
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i7-4790
9,13325% of 36,991
Core i5-12600K174% better
25,01768% of 36,991

The Core i5-12600K has 174% better performance than the Core i7-4790 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-4790 is ranked 273rd with a score of 9,133, and the Core i5-12600K is ranked 26th with a score of 25,017.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-4790
29.2724% of 121.53
Core i5-12600K196% better
86.5671% of 121.53

The Core i5-12600K has 196% better value for the money than the Core i7-4790 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-4790 is ranked 123rd with a performance per dollar of 29.27, and the Core i5-12600K is ranked 12th with a performance per dollar of 86.56.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-4790 or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 5 9600X25,717+182%
Ryzen 9 5950X25,154.5+175%
Core i5-12600K25,017+174%
Core i7-12700K24,947+173%
Core i9-1290024,314+166%
Core i5-84009,453+4%
Core i7-3770K9,216.5+1%
Core i7-47909,133
Core i7-4770K8,804-4%
Core i3-9100F8,742-4%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-4790 or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Ryzen 7 770094.06+221%
Ryzen 5 9600X92.18+215%
Core i5-12600K86.56+196%
Ryzen 5 7600X86.06+194%
Ryzen 7 9700X85.67+193%
Core i7-4790K31.1+6%
Core i7-3770K29.45+1%
Core i7-479029.27
Core i7-4790S27.7-5%
Ryzen 7 1800X27.62-6%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
9,133
25,017
(+173.92%)
3DMark Time Spy CPU
--
13,869
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
765
2,555
(+233.99%)
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
158.5
275
(+73.5%)
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
3,894
11,856
(+204.47%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,243
2,478
(+99.36%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
7,268
27,731
(+281.55%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
2,233
3,951
(+76.94%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size22 nm10 nm
Transistors1,400 million--

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
SeriesCore i7Core i5
MicroarchitectureHaswellAlder Lake-S
CodenameHaswellAlder Lake-S
Memory SupportDDR3DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
Cores410
Threads816
Performance Cores (P-cores)--6
Efficient Cores (E-cores)--4
Clock Speed3.6 GHz3.7 GHz
Turbo Clock4.0 GHz4.9 GHz
P-core Clock--3.7 GHz
P-core Turbo Clock--4.9 GHz
E-core Clock Speed--2.8 GHz
E-core Turbo Clock--3.6 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier36.0x37.0x
Multiplier UnlockedNoYes

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
L1 Cache64 KB80 KB
L2 Cache256 KB1.25 MB
L3 Cache8 MB20 MB
E-core L1 Cache--96 KB
E-core L2 Cache--2 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
SocketIntel Socket 1150Intel Socket 1700
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 4.0 x20
Thermal Design Power (TDP)84 W125 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)--150 W
Power Limit 2 (PL2)--150 W
Tcase Max72 °C72 °C
TJ Max--100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i7-4790Core i5-12600K
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 4600UHD Graphics 770
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, vPro, Boost 2.0MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX, RdRand, TBT 2.0

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.