CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4670S vs Intel Core i7-4770R
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.
Strong desktop quad-core performance.
Gaming
Good for older games; will bottleneck modern GPUs in CPU-heavy titles.
Excellent integrated graphics for 2013, handles older 1080p titles.
Virtualization
Limited to light VMs due to 4 threads.
Capable of running standard VMs.
Efficiency
Outstanding efficiency, hitting 3.8 GHz on just 65W.
Good 65W efficiency for a desktop part.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow for modern AI workloads
- No modern AI hardware
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
- Iris Pro was revolutionary
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its time
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
- Iris Pro 5200 is class-leading
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- 65W low-power desktop design
- High 3.9GHz turbo boost
Cons
- Soldered BGA, no upgrades
- End-of-life platform
- Only 16 PCIe lanes
- High launch price
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 i7-4770R
- AMD A10-6800KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4770SRival
Desktop
- AMD A10-7850KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570RRival
Desktop
Newer Broadwell BGA with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel NUC 11Alt
Modern alternative with vastly superior performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Modern APU with incredible integrated graphics.
- Apple Mac Mini M1Alt
Modern compact PC alternative.
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 pioneering desktop BGA processor that brought console-level integrated graphics to compact PCs.
Best for: Purchasing an Intel Core i7-4770R in the modern era is a niche endeavor, primarily suited for enthusiasts looking to revive or maintain a vintage Intel NUC or all-in-one system. Because it uses a soldered BGA 1364 socket, you cannot simply buy the CPU and drop it into a standard motherboard; it typically comes pre-installed. If you find a complete system for sale, evaluate it based on the condition of the motherboard and cooling system. The Iris Pro 5200 graphics still hold nostalgic value and can handle older titles well, but the quad-core CPU will choke on modern heavy multitasking. For a dedicated media server or a lightweight office terminal, a system with this processor remains highly viable. However, do not overspend; the platform is obsolete, and newer mini-PCs offer significantly better performance and efficiency for a fraction of the cost. Consider it a collector's item or a budget retro rig rather than a primary workstation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4670S or Intel Core i7-4770R?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4770R comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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 i7-4770R?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4770R leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i5-4670S and Intel Core i7-4770R.
Do Intel Core i5-4670S and Intel Core i7-4770R use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4670S: LGA 1150, Intel Core i7-4770R: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4770R posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4670S (3,900), Intel Core i7-4770R (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.