CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790T vs Intel Core i7-6700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4790T is a low-power desktop processor launched in May 2014 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell refresh. Designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs and all-in-one systems, it operates at a highly efficient 45-watt TDP. Built on the 22nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 2.7 GHz and can boost up to 3.9 GHz. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600. The 'T' suffix denotes its low-power nature, trading raw multi-core frequency for energy efficiency and cooler operation. This allows it to be used in compact chassis with minimal cooling requirements. While it lacks the unlocked multiplier of the 'K' series, the i7-4790T remains a reliable choice for office workstations, HTPCs, and compact builds where space and power are constrained.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for office tasks but slow for rendering.
Handles office applications and multitasking smoothly.
Gaming
Low base clock limits gaming performance.
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
Virtualization
Limited by low clocks and 4 cores.
Can run light VMs but limited by 35W power constraints.
Efficiency
45W TDP was efficient for 2014, but outdated now.
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for silent computing.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock
- HD 4600 is too weak
- Not for gaming
- Relies on Intel HD Graphics 530
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- Great for retro or indie gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Ultra-low 45W TDP
- Good for silent builds
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
Cons
- Low base clock
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is outdated
- LGA 1150 is a dead platform
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Good for silent computing
- Solid quad-core multitasking
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited upgrade path
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4790T
- AMD A8-7600Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-7700KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4590TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-4770TRival
Desktop
- AMD A10-6800KRival
Desktop
Modern alternative with much better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
Superior integrated graphics and CPU performance.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Modern 6-core alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Great budget APU for SFF builds.
Slightly newer alternative on the same socket.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-6700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Much newer, faster, and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
More cores and newer architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GEAlt
Better integrated graphics and CPU performance.
Modern Alder Lake alternative with massive single-core gains.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 45W desktop CPU for its time, but its low base clock makes it sluggish for modern tasks.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-4790T today, it should only be for specific budget or replacement scenarios. It is an excellent choice if you are maintaining a small form factor PC for basic office work or as a home theater PC, where its 45W TDP allows for silent operation. However, for new builds, modern processors offer significantly better performance and efficiency. The 4790T is best purchased used or refurbished at a low price. Avoid this processor if you need to do any modern gaming, heavy video editing, or if you want an upgrade path, as the LGA 1151 socket is obsolete.
Read the full reviewA highly efficient 35W processor that delivers reliable quad-core performance for SFF builds, though it lacks the power for modern heavy workloads.
Best for: Building a low-power home server or near-silent HTPC.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790T or Intel Core i7-6700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700T 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 i7-4790T or Intel Core i7-6700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700T leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i7-4790T and Intel Core i7-6700T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-6700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4790T (45 W), Intel Core i7-6700T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790T and Intel Core i7-6700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4790T: Intel Socket 1150, Intel Core i7-6700T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6700T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700T (6,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.