How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i5-9600K scores 32/100 overall; Intel Core i7-4790K scores 27.9/100. Intel Core i5-9600K wins 13 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-4790K wins 4.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i5-9600K and the Intel Core i7-4790K?

Intel Core i5-9600K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 36 vs 30; 300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB; 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher L2 cache: 2 MB vs 1 MB; Lower launch price: $262 vs $339. Intel Core i7-4790K advantages: 33% higher threads: 8 vs 6; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i5-9600K or Intel Core i7-4790K?

Intel Core i5-9600K launched cheaper at $262, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-4790K.

Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i7-4790K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-9600K

$262

Intel

Intel Core i7-4790K

$339

36Single-core29.7

29.8Multi-core27.2

31Gamingspec-based26.9

13 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K4 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-9600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 32 to 27.9, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+6) and multi-core (+3). Intel Core i7-4790K 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 30
300% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 32 GB
50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher L2 cache: 2 MB vs 1 MB
Lower launch price: $262 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K

33% higher threads: 8 vs 6
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't

General

General comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-4790K
Announced	2018	2014
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1150
Process	14 nm+36%	22 nm
Base TDP	95 W	88 W+7%
Max turbo power	119 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	Yes	Yes
Cooler included	No	Yes

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-4790K
Cores	6+50%	4
Performance cores	6+50%	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	6	8+33%
Base clock	3.7 GHz	4 GHz+8%
Boost clock	4.6 GHz+5%	4.4 GHz
L2 cache	2 MB+50%	1 MB
L3 cache	9 MB+13%	8 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-4790K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4600
iGPU clock	1,150 MHz	1,250 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-4790K
Memory support	DDR4-2666	DDR3-1600
Max memory	128 GB+300%	32 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-4790K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-4790K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-4790K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,580+17%Bottom 38%	1,350Bottom 21%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	5,000+9%Bottom 21%	4,600Bottom 17%
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,200+9%Bottom 24%	1,100Bottom 16%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	6,700+28%Bottom 21%	5,250Bottom 15%
PassMark	11,200+26%Bottom 17%	8,900Bottom 13%

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