CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4770K vs Intel Core i7-4790T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4770K is an unlocked desktop processor launched in June 2013 as the flagship of the 4th Generation Haswell family. Built on the 22nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.5 GHz and boosting up to 3.9 GHz. The 'K' suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, making it a favorite among overclocking enthusiasts. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 84W TDP, it fits into the LGA 1150 socket. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, which can also be overclocked. While it was a top-tier gaming CPU in its era, the 4770K gained notoriety for running hot due to Intel's use of poor thermal paste under the integrated heat spreader (IHS), limiting extreme overclocking. Despite this, it remains a legendary chip that provided immense performance for gamers and enthusiasts before being superseded by the i7-4790K.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Okay for basic tasks, but slow for modern rendering.
Good for office tasks but slow for rendering.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs significantly.
Low base clock limits gaming performance.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 cores.
Limited by low clocks and 4 cores.
Efficiency
84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
45W TDP was efficient for 2014, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Okay for older games
- Lacks modern security features
- Low base clock
- HD 4600 is too weak
- Not for gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Was a top gaming CPU in 2013
- Supports AVX2
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
Cons
- Infamous for poor thermal paste
- Runs hot under load
- No Windows 11 support
- End-of-life platform
Pros
- Ultra-low 45W TDP
- Good for silent builds
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
Cons
- Low base clock
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is outdated
- LGA 1150 is a dead platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4770K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-9370Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3770KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
The 'Devil's Canyon' refresh with better thermals and higher clocks.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU that destroys it in performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Modern budget alternative with 6 cores.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Best value modern gaming CPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap and highly capable.
Intel Core i7-4790T
- AMD A8-7600Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-7700KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4590TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4770TRival
Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
Desktop
Modern alternative with much better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Superior integrated graphics and CPU performance.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Modern 6-core alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Great budget APU for SFF builds.
Slightly newer alternative on the same socket.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary overclocking CPU that brought great performance, but its thermal issues and age make it obsolete today.
Best for: The Core i7-4770K is a legendary processor that should only be considered today if you are maintaining an existing LGA 1150 system. It still offers decent performance for basic computing and older games, and its unlocked multiplier allows for some overclocking fun if you have adequate cooling. However, it is not recommended for new builds. The lack of Windows 11 support, high power consumption, and outdated instruction sets make it a poor choice for modern workloads. If you are building a budget PC, modern processors like the Intel Core i3-12100F offer vastly superior performance, efficiency, and an upgrade path. Avoid buying this CPU unless it is nearly free and you need to keep an old system running.
Read the full reviewA highly efficient 45W desktop CPU for its time, but its low base clock makes it sluggish for modern tasks.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-4790T today, it should only be for specific budget or replacement scenarios. It is an excellent choice if you are maintaining a small form factor PC for basic office work or as a home theater PC, where its 45W TDP allows for silent operation. However, for new builds, modern processors offer significantly better performance and efficiency. The 4790T is best purchased used or refurbished at a low price. Avoid this processor if you need to do any modern gaming, heavy video editing, or if you want an upgrade path, as the LGA 1151 socket is obsolete.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4770K or Intel Core i7-4790T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4770K comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i7-4770K or Intel Core i7-4790T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4770K leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i7-4770K and Intel Core i7-4790T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4790T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4770K (84 W), Intel Core i7-4790T (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4770K and Intel Core i7-4790T use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1150 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.