CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Core i5-4690S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4690K is the quintessential Devil's Canyon processor, released in June 2014 as a direct response to the thermal complaints surrounding the original Haswell architecture. Alongside the i7-4790K, it featured an upgraded Next-Generation Polymer Thermal Interface Material (NGPTIM) between the CPU die and the integrated heat spreader, dramatically improving heat transfer and overclocking headroom.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sufficient for light office work and basic multitasking, but the absence of Hyper-Threading means multi-threaded productivity workloads complete noticeably slower than on contemporary i7 or modern processors.
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
Adequate for older and esports titles at 1080p, but struggles with modern CPU-demanding games that utilize more than four threads, leading to stuttering and frame drops.
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
Four threads are a hard constraint for running multiple virtual machines simultaneously; VT-x is supported but VT-d is not available on this K-series part, limiting IOMMU passthrough options.
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 22nm Haswell architecture draws notably more power under load than modern alternatives, and the 88W TDP can exceed 120W when overclocked.
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 acceleration hardware
- AVX2 supported but performance is far below modern NPUs
- Not suitable for any meaningful AI/ML training or inference workloads
- No AI acceleration hardware
- AVX2 performance is throttled by the 65W power limit
- Not recommended for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Performs well in older DirectX 11 titles and esports games like CS:GO
- Lacks Hyper-Threading, causing frame-time inconsistencies in modern titles
- Overclocking to 4.4-4.6 GHz can improve minimum frame rates in CPU-bound scenarios
- Paired with a mid-range GPU like GTX 1060 or RX 580, it remains a balanced pairing for 1080p
- 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
- Improved thermal interface over i5-4670K for better overclocking
- Unlocked multiplier allows easy frequency tuning
- Solid 1080p gaming performance with mid-range GPUs for its era
- Widely available on the used market at low prices
- Broad motherboard compatibility with Z87 and Z97 chipsets
- Includes Intel HD 4600 for basic display output without a discrete GPU
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded performance
- 88W TDP is relatively high for a quad-core without HT
- 22nm process is far less efficient than modern nodes
- LGA 1150 platform is end-of-life with no upgrade path
- DDR3 memory is obsolete and limits bandwidth
- Only 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from CPU
- Does not support VT-d (IOMMU) for PCIe device passthrough
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 i5-4690K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-6350Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Six cores, twelve threads on a modern platform with DDR4, NVMe support, and significantly better performance per dollar in 2024 and beyond.
Six cores, twelve threads at a similar used price point with a much more modern platform and dramatically better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-headThe direct successor on LGA 1151 with Skylake architecture, offering slightly better IPC and DDR4 support, though still limited to four threads.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Vastly superior single-threaded and multi-threaded performance, modern platform features, and excellent value on AM4 for budget builders starting fresh.
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 i5-4690K was the go-to unlocked quad-core for gamers on a budget during the Haswell era. Its Devil's Canyon thermal improvements made it a better overclocker than the i5-4670K, but the lack of Hyper-Threading limits its relevance for modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Repairing or upgrading an existing LGA 1150 system where a motherboard swap is impractical, and overclocking is desired.
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 i5-4690K or Intel Core i5-4690S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4690K 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 i5-4690K or Intel Core i5-4690S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4690K leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-4690K 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 i5-4690K (88 W), Intel Core i5-4690S (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4690K 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 i5-4690K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4690K (5,190), Intel Core i5-4690S (4,850). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.