CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i7-6700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4790K is an unlocked desktop processor launched in May 2014 as the flagship of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh. Built on the 22nm Haswell process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at an impressive base clock of 4.0 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz. The 'K' suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, making it a favorite among overclockers. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 88W TDP, it fits into the LGA 1150 socket. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600. The 4790K addressed the thermal issues of the 4770K by using improved thermal paste, allowing for higher sustained clocks and better overclocking headroom. It remains a beloved classic that provided immense performance for gamers and enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Good for general tasks, but 4 cores struggle with heavy rendering.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs but okay for older titles.
Still handles 60fps gaming well, but quad-core limitations show in modern CPU-heavy titles.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Okay for light VMs, but limited by core count.
Efficiency
88W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
91W TDP is manageable, but power draw increases significantly when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to core count
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
- Can handle 60fps gaming with a mid-range GPU
- Struggles with high-refresh-rate modern titles
- Excellent for retro and esports gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- First 4.0 GHz base clock
- Improved thermals over 4770K
- Unlocked for overclocking
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High 88W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Outdated 22nm process
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- High 4.0 GHz base clock
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Runs hot when overclocked
- Uses thermal paste under IHS
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4790K
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4690KRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Desktop
Successor with DDR4 support and better IPC.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
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 i7-6700K
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-7700KAlt
Successor with slightly better clocks and IPC.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative for budget builds.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
More cores, better modern value.
Cheaper, 6 cores, better performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Legacy alternative with much better multi-threading.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary CPU that was the first to hit 4.0 GHz base. It still holds up for basic use but is outdated for modern gaming.
Best for: The Core i7-4790K 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. 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 offer vastly superior performance and efficiency.
Read the full reviewAn iconic processor that brought DDR4 to the mainstream, offering incredible overclocking headroom and gaming performance that still holds up for basic use.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for budget 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790K or Intel Core i7-6700K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700K comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i7-4790K or Intel Core i7-6700K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-6700K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4790K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4790K (88 W), Intel Core i7-6700K (91 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-6700K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4790K: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i7-6700K: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700K (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.