CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4770 vs Intel Core i5-4670
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4770 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in June 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell family. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 3.9 GHz. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 84W TDP, it was the standard high-end CPU for the LGA 1150 socket. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing basic display capabilities without a dedicated GPU. The i7-4770 was a popular choice for gamers and content creators of its era, offering strong single-core performance and excellent multi-threading capabilities via Hyper-Threading. While it has been succeeded by multiple generations of newer architectures, it remains a capable performer for basic computing and older games. It does not have an unlocked multiplier, limiting overclocking potential, but its out-of-the-box performance was highly regarded in 2013.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
The fastest locked Haswell i5 at launch, with 3.8 GHz turbo benefiting bursty office and development workloads.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
The 3.8 GHz turbo provides the best single-threaded performance among launch Haswell i5s, helping in older games, but four threads remain a hard limit for modern titles.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
vPro and VT-d features are excellent for IT management, but four threads limit practical virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
84W TDP is high for this performance level by modern standards.
84W TDP is the standard for the Haswell i5 lineup; the higher clocks do not come with a power penalty thanks to good binning.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- AVX2 and FMA3 available for basic vector operations
- DDR3 bandwidth constrains any AI inference workload
- Not suitable for local AI applications
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks AVX-512
- 3.8 GHz turbo is the fastest among launch locked Haswell i5s
- Good for eSports and older AAA titles with a dedicated GPU
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs in CPU-intensive titles
- No Hyper-Threading limits 1% low frame rates
- Best paired with GTX 1060 or RX 580 class GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Fastest locked Haswell i5 at launch with 3.8 GHz turbo
- vPro technology for enterprise IT management
- TXT and TSX for security and transactional memory
- Full instruction set including BMI1/BMI2 and F16C
- Strong single-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- vPro features unnecessary for most home users
- More expensive than i5-4570 with negligible gaming performance difference
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- 84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards
- DDR3 memory platform is obsolete
- Quickly superseded by Devils Canyon i5-4690
- TSX disabled on C0 stepping via microcode errata
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-4670
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Budget Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3570Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570Rival
Mid-Range Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
APU Desktop
Devils Canyon refresh with improved thermal interface and slightly higher clocks on the same platform.
Compare head-to-headUnlocked multiplier for overclocking if you need more performance from the same generation.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Six cores and twelve threads on a modern AM4 platform with DDR4 at similar used-market pricing.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern six-core with twelve threads that dramatically outperforms the i5-4670 at lower power.
Skylake successor with DDR4 support, better efficiency, and a newer platform for similar cost.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewThe fastest locked Haswell i5 at launch with unique vPro and TXT enterprise features. A strong performer in its day, but quickly superseded by Devils Canyon and rendered obsolete by modern budget CPUs.
Best for: Repairing an enterprise desktop system that requires vPro features on LGA 1150
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4770 or Intel Core i5-4670?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4670 comes out ahead with a score of 7.4/10. 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 i7-4770 or Intel Core i5-4670?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4670 leads with a gaming performance score of 52/100 among Intel Core i7-4770 and Intel Core i5-4670.
Do Intel Core i7-4770 and Intel Core i5-4670 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4770: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i5-4670: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4670 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4670 (4,620). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.