CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4790T vs Intel Core i7-4771
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 tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
Low base clock limits gaming performance.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older titles.
Virtualization
Limited by low clocks and 4 cores.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
45W TDP was efficient for 2014, but outdated now.
84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- Slow CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low base clock
- HD 4600 is too weak
- Not for gaming
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Suitable for older games
- Lacks modern security features
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- 14nm process is outdated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
- 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 i7-4790T
- 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 i7-4771
- 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 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 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 faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4790T or Intel Core i7-4771?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4771 leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i7-4790T and Intel Core i7-4771.
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), Intel Core i7-4771 (84 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4790T 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.