CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4690 vs Intel Core i5-4690S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. Launched in May 2014 as part of the Haswell Refresh, the Intel Core i5-4690 served as the standard locked quad-core offering for the LGA 1150 platform. Unlike its K-series counterpart, this processor focused on business and mainstream desktop use, incorporating support for Intel vPro, VT-d, and TSX instructions.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Performs reliably in standard office applications and light multitasking, but multi-threaded rendering or compilation tasks are slow compared to modern CPUs.
Snappy for everyday office tasks and web browsing. Prolonged multi-threaded workloads will run slightly slower than the 84W models due to lower base clocks and power limits.
Gaming
Capable of 60+ FPS in older esports and mainstream titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern games that rely heavily on more than four threads.
Single-core performance is strong due to the 3.9 GHz turbo, matching the 4690K in lightly threaded games. Sustained multi-core loads will drop clocks to maintain the 65W envelope.
Virtualization
VT-d support allows for good basic virtualization and PCIe passthrough, though the 4-core/4-thread limit restricts running multiple heavy VMs.
VT-d support is excellent for basic homelabs, but the 4-core/4-thread limit and power-constrained turbo behavior restrict heavy virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
The 84W TDP is manageable but inefficient by modern standards, drawing significantly more power per operation than current architectures.
A clear step up in efficiency over the 84W Haswell parts, generating less heat and allowing for near-silent operation at stock settings.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- AVX2 supported but insufficient for modern AI workloads
- Not suitable for machine learning tasks
- No AI acceleration hardware
- AVX2 performance is throttled by the 65W power limit
- Not recommended for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Adequate for older DirectX 11 games
- No unlocked multiplier limits tuning to BCLK adjustments only
- Four threads cause bottlenecking in modern AAA titles
- Best paired with mid-range GPUs like GTX 960 or RX 570
- 3.9 GHz turbo ensures high single-core burst performance
- 65W limit may cause clock drops in CPU-heavy open-world games
- Excellent for 60 FPS 1080p gaming with appropriate GPUs
- Low heat output benefits compact ITX cases
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Reliable locked performance for daily use
- Supports Intel vPro for enterprise management
- Includes VT-d for virtualization passthrough
- Lower cost on the used market compared to i7 variants
- Includes Intel HD 4600 for basic display tasks
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- TSX-NI disabled via microcode due to errata
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded performance
- 84W TDP is inefficient compared to modern chips
- LGA 1150 platform is end-of-life
- Only supports DDR3 memory
Pros
- 65W TDP runs cool and quiet
- 3.9 GHz turbo boost provides strong single-core speed
- Includes VT-d and vPro for enterprise/homelab use
- Excellent for small form factor and HTPC builds
- Lower power consumption saves on electricity over time
Cons
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- 3.2 GHz base clock limits sustained multi-threaded performance
- Only supports DDR3 memory
- LGA 1150 platform is end-of-life
- TSX-NI disabled via microcode due to errata
- Harder to find than standard 84W models
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4690
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770Rival
High-End Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4590Rival
Mainstream Desktop
Choose this if you have a Z87/Z97 motherboard and want to overclock for better gaming performance.
Compare head-to-headOffers Hyper-Threading for 8 threads, making it a much better drop-in upgrade for multi-threaded tasks on LGA 1150.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
A modern alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads, offering vastly superior performance and platform features.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
A budget modern option that drastically outperforms the 4690 in every metric while using less power.
Intel Core i5-4690S
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD A10-7800Rival
APU Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4690TRival
Ultra-Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4790SRival
Low-Power Desktop
Choose the standard 84W version if your case has adequate cooling and you need higher sustained multi-core clocks.
Compare head-to-headChoose this if you want the ability to overclock and are not constrained by thermals.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
A modern low-power alternative with 6 cores, 12 threads, and vastly better efficiency for a new build.
- Intel Core i5-12400TAlt
A modern 35W/65W alternative that obliterates this CPU in performance while using a fraction of the power.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-4690 is a solid, locked Haswell Refresh quad-core that offered excellent reliability for office and mainstream users. The inclusion of VT-d and TSX made it unique, though the TSX feature was later disabled via microcode.
Best for: Upgrading an older office PC or homelab server bound to the LGA 1150 platform that requires VT-d for PCIe passthrough.
Read the full reviewThe i5-4690S is a smart choice for compact systems, offering a 65W TDP without heavily sacrificing single-core performance thanks to a 3.9 GHz turbo boost, making it a versatile chip for its era.
Best for: Upgrading an older compact PC, HTPC, or ITX system where heat and noise are primary concerns and an LGA 1150 motherboard is already present.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4690 or Intel Core i5-4690S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4690S comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i5-4690 or Intel Core i5-4690S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4690 leads with a gaming performance score of 56/100 among Intel Core i5-4690 and Intel Core i5-4690S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4690S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4690 (84 W), Intel Core i5-4690S (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4690 and Intel Core i5-4690S use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1150 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4690 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4690 (5,050), Intel Core i5-4690S (4,850). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.