CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790T vs Core i5-12400
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.
Snappy and reliable for all standard desktop applications.
Gaming
Low base clock limits gaming performance.
Fantastic gaming performance that punches well above its weight class.
Virtualization
Limited by low clocks and 4 cores.
Very capable for homelab and development VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP was efficient for 2014, but outdated now.
Highly efficient 65W design with minimal heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock
- HD 4600 is too weak
- Not for gaming
- Does not bottleneck current mid-range GPUs
- Strong single-core speeds
- Consistent frame times due to pure P-cores
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- 14nm process is outdated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
- Outstanding price-to-performance
- Pure 6 P-core design
- Runs cool and quiet
- DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
- Includes Laminar RM1 cooler
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- UHD 730 graphics are basic
- Only 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes
- No E-cores for background tasks
- 117W PL2 requires decent motherboard VRM
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
Core i5-12400
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-13400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Rival
Desktop
More hybrid cores for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-headMuch cheaper for pure budget gaming.
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 reviewAn outstanding value CPU that delivers excellent gaming and productivity performance without breaking the bank.
Best for: Building a budget or mid-range gaming PC where value is the top priority.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4790T or Core i5-12400?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-12400 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 Core i5-12400?
For gaming, the Core i5-12400 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-4790T and Core i5-12400.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4790T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4790T (45 W), Core i5-12400 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790T and Core i5-12400 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4790T: Intel Socket 1150, Core i5-12400: LGA 1700), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-12400 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-4790T (4 cores), Core i5-12400 (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i5-12400 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-12400 (16,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.