How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i5-4690K scores 23.7/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790 scores 25.9/100. Intel Core i5-4690K wins 1 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790 wins 9.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i5-4690K and the Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i5-4690K advantages: Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $242 vs $303. Intel Core i7-4790 advantages: 100% higher threads: 8 vs 4; 36% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 6,100; 35% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,050 vs 3,000; 33% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 6 MB; 24% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,600 vs 3,700.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i5-4690K or Intel Core i7-4790?

Intel Core i5-4690K launched cheaper at $242, versus $303 for the Intel Core i7-4790.

Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Core i7-4790

Intel

Intel Core i5-4690K

$242

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790

$303

24.4Single-core27.2

23.3Multi-core25.9

23.8Gaming24.4

1 spec wins — Intel Core i5-4690K9 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-4790 wins this desktop processor face-off, 25.9 to 23.7, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+3) and Multi-core (+3). Intel Core i5-4690K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-4690K

Has Unlocked multiplier — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $242 vs $303

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790

100% higher threads: 8 vs 4
36% higher PassMark: 8,300 vs 6,100
35% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,050 vs 3,000
33% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 6 MB
24% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,600 vs 3,700

General

General comparison: Intel Core i5-4690K versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i7-4790
Announced	2014	2014
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1150
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Base TDP	88 W	84 W+5%
Unlocked multiplier	Yes	No
Cooler included	Yes	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i5-4690K versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i7-4790
Cores	4	4
Performance cores	4	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
Boost clock	3.9 GHz	4 GHz+3%
L2 cache	1 MB	1 MB
L3 cache	6 MB	8 MB+33%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i5-4690K versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i7-4790
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,200 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i5-4690K versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i7-4790
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max memory	32 GB	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i5-4690K versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i7-4790
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i5-4690K versus Intel Core i7-4790
Spec	Intel Core i5-4690K	Intel Core i7-4790
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,160Top 88%	1,230+6%Top 82%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,000Top 93%	4,050+35%Top 84%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,020Top 86%	—
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,700Top 93%	4,600+24%Top 85%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	8,300+36%Top 84%

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