Intel Core i5-6500 vs Intel Core i7-4790K
25.6Single-core29.7
22.9Multi-core27.2
21.9Gamingspec-based26.9
4 spec wins — Intel Core i5-65009 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-4790K wins this desktop processor face-off, 27.9 to 23.5, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+4) and single-core (+4). Intel Core i5-6500 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 i5-6500
- 100% higher Max memory: 64 GB vs 32 GB
- 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm
- 26% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 88 W
- Lower launch price: $192 vs $339
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K
- Stronger single-core score: 30 vs 26
- Stronger multi-core score: 27 vs 23
- 100% higher threads: 8 vs 4
- 59% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 5,600
- 51% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,600 vs 3,050
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 14 nm+36% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+26% | 88 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Performance cores | 4 | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 8+100% |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 4 GHz+25% |
| Boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz+22% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 8 MB+33% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,250 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max memory | 64 GB+100% | 32 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,180Bottom 13% | 1,350+14%Bottom 21% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,050Bottom 8% | 4,600+51%Bottom 17% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,100Bottom 16% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 3,500Bottom 4% | 5,250+50%Bottom 15% |
| PassMark | 5,600Bottom 4% | 8,900+59%Bottom 13% |
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