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Intel Core i7-4790K

Intel
VS
Performance
10,88629% of 36,991

The Core i7-4790K has 29% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Performance per dollar
31.126% of 121.53

The Core i7-4790K has 26% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

Specs at a glance
Cores / Threads4 / 8
Memory SupportDDR3
Clock4.0 GHz / 4.4 GHz
Release DateQ2 2014
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Summary

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About the Intel Core i7-4790K CPU

The Intel Core i7-4790K 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 $350. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Haswell microarchitecture. The i7-4790K 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 i7-4790K supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-4790K 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 i7-4790K 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 4.0 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.4 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 i7-4790K 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 i7-4790K has the 225th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 29.43% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 10,886 score and $350 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 31.1. This is the 114th 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.

InfoValue
ManufacturerIntel
SeriesCore i7
Market SegmentDesktop
Release DateQ2 2014
Launch Price (MSRP)$350
Production StatusEnd-of-life
ShopCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

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Performance
10,88629% of 36,991

The Core i7-4790K has 29% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

The Core i7-4790K is ranked 225th with a score of 10,886.

Performance per dollar
31.126% of 121.53

The Core i7-4790K has 26% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

The Core i7-4790K is ranked 114th with a performance per dollar of 31.1.

Relative Performance

Core i7-4790K's average score in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, more powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 5 260012,405+14%
Ryzen 5 2600X12,074+11%
Core i7-8086K11,554+6%
Core i7-6700K11,228+3%
Ryzen 5 160011,164+3%
Core i7-4790K10,886
Core i5-8600K10,833-0%
Ryzen 3 310010,702-2%
Core i7-5775C9,976-8%
Ryzen 5 1500X9,566-12%

Relative Value For Money

Core i7-4790K's average performance per dollar in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score generally implies better value for your moeny.

CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Ryzen 7 170038.67+24%
Core i7-9700K38.07+22%
Core i7-377034.18+10%
Core i7-6700K33.12+6%
Core i5-6600K32.04+3%
Core i7-4790K31.1
Core i7-3770K29.45-5%
Core i7-479029.27-6%
Core i7-4790S27.7-11%
Ryzen 7 1800X27.62-11%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the Core i7-4790K's average performance scores across industry-standard CPU benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkValue
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
10,886
3DMark Time Spy CPU
4,838
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
846
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
174
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
4,400
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,410
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
8,065
CPU Mark Single-Thread
2,464
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.

SpecValue
ManufacturerIntel
FoundryIntel
Process Size22 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.

SpecValue
SeriesCore i7
MicroarchitectureHaswell
CodenameHaswell
Memory SupportDDR3
Memory ChannelsDual-channel
ECC MemoryNo

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.

SpecValue
Cores4
Threads8
Clock Speed4.0 GHz
Turbo Clock4.4 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz
Multiplier40.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYes

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.

SpecValue
L1 Cache64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB
L3 Cache8 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.

SpecValue
SocketIntel Socket 1150
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)88 W
Tcase Max72 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

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

SpecValue
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 4600
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, Boost 2.0

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