CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i7-4771
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.
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs but okay for older titles.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older titles.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
88W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
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- Outdated 22nm process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
- Matches 4770K stock performance
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Supports AVX2
- Includes VT-d
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform
- No Windows 11 support
- High 84W TDP
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 i7-4771
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8320Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4670Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade for old boards.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Best value modern gaming CPU.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
Cheap and highly capable.
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 reviewA solid 2013 CPU that matches the 4770K in stock performance but lacks overclocking, making it obsolete today.
Best for: The Core i7-4771 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 or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790K or Intel Core i7-4771?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4790K 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 i7-4790K or Intel Core i7-4771?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4790K leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-4771.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4771 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4790K (88 W), Intel Core i7-4771 (84 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-4771 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1150 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.