CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4770K vs Core i7-3910K
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 Despite this, it remains a legendary chip that provided immense performance for gamers and enthusiasts before being superseded by the i7-4790K.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.
6 cores and 12 threads provide solid performance for rendering.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs significantly.
Decent for gaming, but lower clocks limit modern CPU-heavy games.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 cores.
Excellent for VMs thanks to 12 threads and quad-channel memory.
Efficiency
84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
130W TDP is high, and 32nm is inefficient.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No AI acceleration
- PCIe 3.0 is okay for older accelerators
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Okay for older games
- Lacks modern security features
- 6 cores help with modern games
- Lower base clock limits single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
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
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes
- Quad-channel memory
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- High 130W TDP
- Low base clock (3.0 GHz)
- 32nm process is inefficient
- Obsolete 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.
Core i7-3910K
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3930KRival
HEDT
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-3820Rival
HEDT
- Intel Core i7-4930KAlt
Ivy Bridge-E successor with slightly better performance.
Haswell-E successor with DDR4 support.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4820KAlt
Cheaper 4-core alternative on the same platform.
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 great entry point to the LGA 2011 platform, offering 6 cores and full PCIe 3.0 lanes at a lower price point.
Best for: Budget X79 workstation build
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4770K or Core i7-3910K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3910K comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i7-4770K or Core i7-3910K?
For gaming, the Core i7-3910K leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i7-4770K and Core i7-3910K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4770K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4770K (84 W), Core i7-3910K (130 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4770K and Core i7-3910K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4770K: Intel Socket 1150, Core i7-3910K: LGA 2011), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-3910K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-4770K (4 cores), Core i7-3910K (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3910K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3910K (12,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.