CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i7-5960X
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.
Strong multi-threaded throughput in workloads that scale across cores—such as rendering and compression—despite lower per-clock performance versus newer designs.
Gaming
Bottlenecks modern GPUs but okay for older titles.
With a modern discrete GPU, the i7-5960X remains playable at high refresh rates, though newer CPUs offer higher 1% lows and frame times.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
The combination of eight cores, 16 threads, and VT-x/VT-d makes it well-suited for running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
88W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
The 140 W TDP at 3.0 GHz base reflects 22 nm efficiency limits; newer chips deliver similar performance with far lower power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
- No dedicated AI acceleration (e.g., DL/ML matrix extensions).
- Suitable for light CPU-based inference, but far slower than modern NPUs/accelerators.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
- Requires a discrete graphics card; no integrated graphics.
- PCIe 3.0 x16 bandwidth is ample for current GPUs.
- Single-thread performance limits headroom in CPU-bound titles.
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
- Eight cores and 16 threads still deliver usable multi-threaded performance
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory controller
- 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU
- 20 MB L3 cache
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- VT-x and VT-d for virtualization
Cons
- No integrated graphics; discrete GPU required
- High 140 W TDP for the performance level
- Quad-channel DDR4 limited to 64 GB
- X99 platform is aging; limited BIOS/feature updates
- Lower per-clock performance versus newer generations
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 i7-5960X
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4960XRival
HEDT
- RivalCompare head-to-head
More cores and Broadwell-E refinements on the same X99 platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
Much higher performance per watt and PCIe 4.0 on newer platforms.
Stronger gaming and higher clocks, mainstream platform ecosystem.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Superior gaming performance via 3D V-Cache.
Modern cores, E-cores, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and efficiency gains.
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 reviewA milestone eight-core HEDT processor with strong multi-threaded performance and expansion options, but high power draw and an aging platform limit its appeal in new builds.
Best for: Upgrading or maintaining an existing X99 system at very low cost; secondary workstation rigs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790K or Intel Core i7-5960X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-5960X 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 i7-5960X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4790K leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-5960X.
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 i7-5960X (140 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790K and Intel Core i7-5960X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4790K: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i7-5960X: LGA2011-v3 (FCLGA2011-3)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-5960X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-4790K (4 cores), Intel Core i7-5960X (8 cores).