CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i7-5820K
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.
Solid performance for older software and moderate rendering tasks, but falls behind modern 6-core CPUs in IPC and clock speed.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs but okay for older titles.
Playable in modern esports and AAA titles when paired with a strong GPU, but likely to bottleneck top-tier cards in CPU-intensive scenarios.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Excellent value for home labs due to high core count, VT-d support, and PCIe lane availability for multiple NICs or storage controllers.
Efficiency
88W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
High power consumption (140W TDP) and heat output compared to 14nm, 10nm, or 7nm counterparts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No dedicated AI or matrix acceleration hardware.
- AVX2 support offers some vector compute capability.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
- Requires discrete graphics; no integrated GPU.
- PCIe 3.0 lanes limit full potential of modern RTX 40-series GPUs.
- Boost clocks are modest by modern standards.
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- Outdated 22nm process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
- Relatively low entry cost for a used HEDT platform
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory support
- 28 PCIe lanes allow for multiple expansion cards
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Strong multi-core performance for its era
Cons
- High power draw and heat output
- No integrated graphics
- Limited to 28 PCIe lanes (fewer than 5930K/5960X)
- Requires expensive X99 motherboards and DDR4 RAM
- Older architecture lacks modern instruction sets like AVX-512
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 i7-5820K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Gaming
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6800KRival
Workstation
If you need the full 40 PCIe lanes for tri-SI or heavy storage arrays.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
A modern, significantly faster and more efficient gaming CPU.
Modern platform with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Massive multi-core performance jump for content creation.
More cores and higher frequency on a still-recent mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewThe i7-5820K was a groundbreaking value proposition in 2014, bringing DDR4 and quad-channel memory to a lower price point. Today, it remains viable only for budget builds, handicapped by high power consumption and limited PCIe lanes compared to modern standards.
Best for: Building a budget-friendly used workstation for virtualization or light content creation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790K or Intel Core i7-5820K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-5820K comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-5820K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-5820K leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-5820K.
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 i7-5820K (140 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-5820K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4790K: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i7-5820K: FCLGA2011-3 (LGA2011-v3)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-5820K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-4790K (4 cores), Intel Core i7-5820K (6 cores).