Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
29.7Single-core72.2
27.2Multi-core70.4
26.9Gamingspec-based63.8
3 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K17 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 27.9, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+43) and single-core (+43). 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 i7-4790K
- 30% lower Base TDP: 88 W vs 125 W
- 25% higher Base clock: 4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $339 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 30
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 27
- 1300% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 1 MB
- 400% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 5,250
- 362% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 8,900
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2014 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 22 nm | 10 nm+55% |
| Base TDP | 88 W+30% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 241 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 16+300% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 8 | 24+200% |
| Base clock | 4 GHz+25% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.2 GHz+18% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 14 MB+1300% |
| L3 cache | 8 MB | 30 MB+275% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 4600 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,250 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR3-1600 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 128 GB+300% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-4790K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,350Bottom 21% | 2,715+101%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,600Bottom 18% | 17,450+279%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,100Bottom 16% | 1,903+73%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 5,250Bottom 15% | 26,229+400%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 8,900Bottom 13% | 41,103+362%Top 24% |
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