Intel Core i5-6600K vs Intel Core i7-4790K
29Single-core29.7
24Multi-core27.2
23.8Gamingspec-based26.9
4 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K10 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-4790K wins this desktop processor face-off, 27.9 to 25.4, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+3) and single-core (+1). Intel Core i5-6600K 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 i5-6600K
- 100% higher Max memory: 64 GB vs 32 GB
- 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm
- Lower launch price: $242 vs $339
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K
- Stronger multi-core score: 27 vs 24
- 100% higher threads: 8 vs 4
- 39% higher PassMark: 8,900 vs 6,400
- 37% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 4,600 vs 3,350
- 33% higher L3 cache: 8 MB vs 6 MB
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 14 nm+36% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 91 W | 88 W+3% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Performance cores | 4 | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 8+100% |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz | 4 GHz+14% |
| Boost clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.4 GHz+13% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 8 MB+33% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | 1,250 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | 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 i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,300Bottom 19% | 1,350+4%Bottom 21% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Bottom 9% | 4,600+37%Bottom 17% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,110+1%Bottom 17% | 1,100Bottom 16% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 4,050Bottom 9% | 5,250+30%Bottom 15% |
| PassMark | 6,400Bottom 8% | 8,900+39%Bottom 13% |
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