CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Core i5-5675C
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.
Quad-core performance at 3.6GHz is snappy for everyday tasks and light creation.
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.
Iris Pro 6200 allows for solid 1080p gaming on older titles without a dedicated GPU.
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.
Handles basic VMs well, though limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
The 22nm Haswell architecture draws notably more power under load than modern alternatives, and the 88W TDP can exceed 120W when overclocked.
Broadwell's 14nm process is quite efficient, especially when TDP is configured down.
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 modern AI hardware features
- DDR3 bandwidth limits execution unit utilization for AI
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
- Comparable to an NVIDIA GT 740 GDDR5
- Can play titles like BioShock Infinite at 1080p High
- eDRAM significantly reduces texture stuttering
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
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Powerful Iris Pro 6200 integrated graphics
- Uses standard LGA 1150 socket
- Configurable TDP for silent builds
- Includes 128MB L4 eDRAM
Cons
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Hard to find on the used market
- Lower base clock than some Haswell counterparts
- Socket 1150 is a dead platform
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 i5-5675C
- AMD A10-7870KRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4690KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5775CRival
Desktop
- AMD A8-7670KRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5575RRival
Desktop BGA
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
A vastly superior modern APU with better CPU and GPU performance.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget modern AM4 alternative with decent Vega graphics.
Modern budget king that obliterates this chip in single-core performance.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewA cult classic desktop CPU that combined an unlocked multiplier with exceptional integrated graphics, making it a unique and highly sought-after part for compact builds.
Best for: Building a retro or niche HTPC where integrated graphics are preferred.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4690K or Intel Core i5-5675C?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-5675C 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 i5-4690K or Intel Core i5-5675C?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-5675C leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-4690K and Intel Core i5-5675C.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-5675C has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4690K (88 W), Intel Core i5-5675C (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4690K and Intel Core i5-5675C use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4690K: LGA 1150, Intel Core i5-5675C: Intel Socket 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.