CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4670S vs Intel Core i7-4770
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4670S, launched in June 2013, is a quad-core desktop processor designed for users who need strong performance within a constrained thermal envelope. As part of the Haswell generation, it features a 65-watt TDP, making it significantly more power-efficient than the standard 84-watt i5-4670. Operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and turbo boosting up to 3.8 GHz, it delivers snappy single-threaded performance suitable for gaming and demanding applications. Built on a 22nm process, it houses 1.4 billion transistors and 6MB of L3 cache. The inclusion of Intel HD 4600 graphics ensures smooth 4K video playback and basic gaming capabilities. This processor was highly sought after for small form factor builds and home theater PCs where heat and noise reduction were priorities. It remains a capable chip for legacy systems and budget gaming setups.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fast single-core speeds keep legacy apps feeling snappy.
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Good for older games; will bottleneck modern GPUs in CPU-heavy titles.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
Virtualization
Limited to light VMs due to 4 threads.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency, hitting 3.8 GHz on just 65W.
84W TDP is high for this performance level by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow for modern AI workloads
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Pairs well with GTX 1050 Ti or RX 570
- Can handle CS:GO and Dota 2 easily
- Will struggle with modern CPU-bound games like Cyberpunk 2077
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks AVX-512
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 3.8 GHz turbo boost for single-core tasks
- Low 65W TDP
- Good for retro and e-sports gaming
- Supports vPro and TXT
- Reliable Haswell architecture
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Locked multiplier
- No Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Limited to 4 threads
Pros
- Was a top-tier performer in 2013
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Supports AVX2
- Includes VT-d
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High 84W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4670S
- AMD FX-8350Rival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570Rival
Standard Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Budget Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4770SRival
Low Power Desktop
Newer Haswell Refresh with slightly higher clocks.
Compare head-to-headHyper-threaded alternative for more threads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 1300XAlt
Modern budget quad-core alternative.
Modern budget alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Alt
Modern budget hexa-core alternative.
Intel Core i7-4770
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3770Rival
Desktop
Modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Excellent budget modern alternative.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Best value modern gaming CPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap and highly capable.
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade for old boards.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The fastest 'S' series Haswell i5 at launch, offering excellent single-core performance with 65W efficiency.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for older LGA 1150 systems.
Read the full reviewA legendary CPU from 2013 that still handles basic tasks, but struggles with modern multi-threaded workloads and lacks Windows 11 support.
Best for: The Core i7-4770 is a processor that should only be encountered in legacy systems or extremely budget-oriented used builds. If you already own a motherboard with this chip, it can still serve adequately for basic web browsing, office applications, and older games. However, it is not recommended for purchase today. The LGA 1150 platform is dead, meaning there is no upgrade path. Additionally, the lack of official Windows 11 support and high 84W TDP make it inefficient compared to modern budget processors like the Intel Core i3-12100. Avoid buying this CPU for new builds. It is best utilized by keeping existing hardware alive for light duties or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4670S or Intel Core i7-4770?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4670S comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4670S or Intel Core i7-4770?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4670S leads with a gaming performance score of 52/100 among Intel Core i5-4670S and Intel Core i7-4770.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4670S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4670S (65 W), Intel Core i7-4770 (84 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4670S and Intel Core i7-4770 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4670S: LGA 1150, Intel Core i7-4770: Intel Socket 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4670S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4670S (3,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.