Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i7-4790
36Single-core27.2
29.8Multi-core25.9
31Gaming24.4
14 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K4 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 32 to 25.9, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+9) and gaming (+7). Intel Core i7-4790 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 i5-9600K
- Stronger Single-core score: 36 vs 27
- Stronger Multi-core score: 30 vs 26
- Stronger gaming score: 31 vs 24
- 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
- 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
- Lower launch price: $262 vs $303
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790
- 33% higher threads: 8 vs 6
- 12% lower Base TDP: 84 W vs 95 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 14 nm+36% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 95 W | 84 W+12% |
| Max turbo power | 119 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6+50% | 4 |
| Performance cores | 6+50% | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 8+33% |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+3% | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.6 GHz+15% | 4 GHz |
| L2 cache | 2 MB+50% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 9 MB+13% | 8 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | 1,200 MHz+4% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,580+28%Top 56% | 1,230Top 82% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 5,000+23%Top 76% | 4,050Top 84% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,200Top 72% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 6,700+46%Top 75% | 4,600Top 85% |
| PassMark | 11,200+35%Top 76% | 8,300Top 84% |
Related comparisons
Intel Core i5-9600Kvs AMD Ryzen 3 3100VSIntel Core i5-9600Kvs Intel Core i7-5960XVSIntel Core i5-9600Kvs Intel Core i5-10400VSIntel Core i5-9600Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 2600VSIntel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i5-6600KVSIntel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i5-7500VSIntel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i7-4770KVSIntel Core i7-4790vs Intel Core i7-4770VS