CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i5-4590S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4790 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in May 2014 as part of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh of the 4th Generation Haswell family. Built on the 22nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 84W TDP, it was a popular choice for gamers and content creators, offering strong single-core performance and excellent multi-threading capabilities. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing basic display capabilities. The i7-4790 addressed the thermal issues of the i7-4770 by using improved thermal paste under the IHS. While it has been succeeded by multiple generations, it remains a capable performer for basic computing and older games.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Solid for everyday office apps and web browsing.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
Handles older games fine but bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Limited to light VM usage.
Efficiency
84W TDP is high for this performance level by modern standards.
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No AI acceleration
- Unsuitable for modern AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks AVX-512
- Requires a dedicated GPU
- Pairs well with GTX 1050 Ti or RX 570
- Will struggle with modern CPU-bound titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Improved thermals over 4770
- 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Supports AVX2
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High 84W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Low 65W TDP
- Decent single-core performance for legacy apps
- Affordable used drop-in upgrade
- Intel HD 4600 graphics included
- Good for basic office and HTPC use
Cons
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- Locked multiplier
- No official Windows 11 support
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Limited to 4 threads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4790
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4690Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
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.
Unlocked version for older boards.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-4590S
- AMD FX-8350Rival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4570SRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4590Rival
Standard Desktop
- AMD FX-8320ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Intel Core i3-4370Rival
Budget Desktop
Newer Haswell Refresh with slightly higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-4790SAlt
Hyper-threaded efficient alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200GAlt
Modern budget APU alternative.
Modern budget hexa-core alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Modern budget hexa-core alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid 2014 CPU that still handles basic tasks, but struggles with modern workloads and lacks Windows 11 support.
Best for: The Core i7-4790 is a processor that should only be encountered in legacy systems. 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. Avoid buying this CPU for new builds. It is best utilized by keeping existing hardware alive for light duties.
Read the full reviewA solid Haswell Refresh chip that slightly improves clocks over the 4570S while maintaining 65W efficiency.
Best for: Drop-in upgrade for an older LGA 1150 motherboard.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790 or Intel Core i5-4590S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4590S comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i7-4790 or Intel Core i5-4590S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4590S leads with a gaming performance score of 48/100 among Intel Core i7-4790 and Intel Core i5-4590S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4590S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4790 (84 W), Intel Core i5-4590S (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790 and Intel Core i5-4590S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4790: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i5-4590S: LGA 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4590S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4590S (3,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.