Quick Verdict
The i5-4690S is a smart choice for compact systems, offering a 65W TDP without heavily sacrificing single-core performance thanks to a 3.9 GHz turbo boost, making it a versatile chip for its era.
Overview
Launch
2014
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
4th Gen (Haswell Refresh)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-4690S is a power-optimized variant of the standard Haswell Refresh quad-core processor, designed for users who prioritize thermal efficiency and lower power consumption over maximum clock speeds. Launched in May 2014 with a 65W TDP, it significantly reduces the thermal footprint compared to the 84W i5-4690.
The Intel Core i5-4690S targets small form factor and quiet PC builders with a reduced 65W TDP. To achieve this, Intel lowered the base clock to 3.2 GHz, but cleverly allowed the turbo boost to reach up to 3.
9 GHz—matching the i5-4690K. This means the 4690S consumes far less power during sustained multi-threaded loads, while remaining snappy for lightly threaded tasks. It features vPro, VT-d, and TSX support, making it suitable for business environments.
While it isn't meant for overclocking, its efficiency makes it an excellent drop-in option for older ITX systems struggling with heat or noise.
Specifications
Performance
Snappy for everyday office tasks and web browsing. Prolonged multi-threaded workloads will run slightly slower than the 84W models due to lower base clocks and power limits.
VT-d support is excellent for basic homelabs, but the 4-core/4-thread limit and power-constrained turbo behavior restrict heavy virtualization workloads.
Single-core performance is strong due to the 3.9 GHz turbo, matching the 4690K in lightly threaded games. Sustained multi-core loads will drop clocks to maintain the 65W envelope.
A clear step up in efficiency over the 84W Haswell parts, generating less heat and allowing for near-silent operation at stock settings.
- •3.9 GHz turbo ensures high single-core burst performance
- •65W limit may cause clock drops in CPU-heavy open-world games
- •Excellent for 60 FPS 1080p gaming with appropriate GPUs
- •Low heat output benefits compact ITX cases
- •No AI acceleration hardware
- •AVX2 performance is throttled by the 65W power limit
- •Not recommended for AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on the same 22nm Haswell Refresh silicon as the rest of the 4690 family, the i5-4690S utilizes an identical core configuration of four physical cores and four threads without Hyper-Threading. The architectural difference lies in the binning process and power configuration.
CPU Design
Intel selects chips capable of running efficiently at lower voltages to meet the strict 65W TDP requirement. It retains the 6MB L3 cache, dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory controller, and 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. The Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator (FIVR) plays a crucial role here, allowing precise power state transitions that maximize idle efficiency.
Memory Subsystem
Memory support matches the rest of the lineup with dual-channel DDR3-1600, providing 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth. The lower base clock means the memory multiplier has more headroom relative to the core clock, but overall memory overclocking is still limited by the locked CPU multiplier.
PCIe & I/O
Provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU. This is identical to the standard and K-series models, ensuring no compromise on GPU bandwidth for small form factor gaming builds.
Overclocking
The i5-4690S has a locked multiplier, meaning traditional overclocking is not possible. Users can tweak the BCLK slightly, but the real advantage of this chip is running it at stock for maximum efficiency, not tuning for performance.
- Higher turbo boost clock (3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz)
- Haswell Refresh silicon optimizations
- TSX-NI instruction support (prior to microcode disable)
- Better efficiency at the 65W TDP level
Key Highlights
- 65W TDP runs cool and quiet
- 3.9 GHz turbo boost provides strong single-core speed
- Includes VT-d and vPro for enterprise/homelab use
- Excellent for small form factor and HTPC builds
- Lower power consumption saves on electricity over time
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- 3.2 GHz base clock limits sustained multi-threaded performance
- Only supports DDR3 memory
- LGA 1150 platform is end-of-life
- TSX-NI disabled via microcode due to errata
- Harder to find than standard 84W models
History
The 'S' suffix has historically denoted Intel's performance-optimized, low-power desktop segments, and the i5-4690S continued this tradition within the Haswell Refresh lineup. Launched in May 2014, it provided system builders a compelling alternative to the standard 84W parts right as small form factor PC building was gaining mainstream traction. </br></br> Before the 4690S, users seeking lower heat output often had to compromise significantly on clock speeds.
The 4690S cleverly bridged this gap by offering a lower base clock to keep sustained power down, while maintaining high turbo frequencies for snappy everyday performance. </br></br> This processor found its way into countless corporate desktops and compact PCs, offering a balance that the T-series (45W) couldn't match in terms of burst performance. It remains an interesting case study in Intel's binning strategies, proving that lower TDP didn't necessarily mean sacrificing peak single-core speed.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher turbo boost clock (3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz)
- Haswell Refresh silicon optimizations
- TSX-NI instruction support (prior to microcode disable)
- Better efficiency at the 65W TDP level
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an older compact PC, HTPC, or ITX system where heat and noise are primary concerns and an LGA 1150 motherboard is already present.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC from scratch
- You need maximum multi-threaded performance
- You want to overclock
- You are doing heavy video encoding
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-4690S has a turbo boost of 3.9 GHz, which is exactly the same as the unlocked i5-4690K.
Intel's 'S' suffix denotes a performance-optimized, low-power processor, distinct from the ultra-low-power 'T' suffix.
It launched at an MSRP of $224, just a few dollars less than the i5-4690K.
The part number SR1QP specifically identifies this 65W Haswell Refresh silicon.
The FIVR on this chip is configured to enforce the 65W limit strictly, causing aggressive clock throttling if exceeded.
HD 4600 integrated graphics run at the same 350-1200 MHz as the standard 84W models.
This processor is highly sought after in the used market for building silent retro gaming PCs.
It supports both Intel 80 Series and 90 Series chipsets natively.
The 65W TDP allows it to be cooled passively with large aftermarket heatsinks in custom HTPC builds.
Despite the lower TDP, it has the exact same 177 mm² die size and 1.4 billion transistors as the 84W i5-4690.
People Also Ask
What does the S stand for in i5-4690S?
The 'S' suffix indicates a performance-optimized, low-power processor. It features a lower base clock and TDP (65W) compared to the standard model (84W) but retains strong turbo frequencies.
Is the i5-4690S good for gaming?
Yes, surprisingly so. Its 3.9 GHz turbo boost matches the i5-4690K, providing excellent single-core performance for 1080p gaming, provided the multi-threaded load isn't heavy enough to trigger power limiting.
Does the i5-4690S run cooler than the i5-4690?
Yes, the 65W TDP means it generates significantly less heat under sustained load compared to the 84W i5-4690, making it ideal for smaller cases.
Can you overclock the i5-4690S?
No, the i5-4690S has a locked multiplier and is not designed for overclocking. It is optimized for efficiency out of the box.
What is the difference between i5-4690S and i5-4690T?
The i5-4690S has a 65W TDP and a 3.2 GHz base / 3.9 GHz turbo. The i5-4690T has a stricter 45W TDP, a lower 2.5 GHz base, and a 3.5 GHz turbo.
Does the i5-4690S support VT-d?
Yes, the i5-4690S supports Intel VT-d, making it suitable for virtualization setups requiring PCIe passthrough.
Why does the i5-4690S have a lower base clock?
The lower 3.2 GHz base clock ensures the CPU stays within its 65W TDP rating during heavy multi-threaded workloads, reducing overall heat output.
Is the i5-4690S good for an HTPC?
Absolutely. The 65W TDP allows for quiet or passive cooling setups, and the strong single-core turbo ensures smooth media playback and light gaming.
Does the i5-4690S support DDR4?
No, the i5-4690S only supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s.
What was the launch price of the i5-4690S?
The Intel Core i5-4690S launched at an MSRP of $224.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i5-4690S come with a cooler?
Yes, it included a compact Intel stock cooler, which is more than sufficient for the 65W TDP under normal operating conditions.
Can I use the i5-4690S in a standard ATX build?
Yes, it works perfectly in ATX builds. Users who value low noise and low heat over maximum performance often prefer S-series CPUs even in full-size cases.
Does the i5-4690S support NVMe SSDs?
Not natively from the CPU, but Z87/Z97 motherboards provide NVMe support via the PCH, usually at PCIe 2.0 x2 or x4 speeds.
Will the i5-4690S bottleneck a GTX 1650?
No, the i5-4690S pairs very well with a GTX 1650 or similar low-power GPU for 1080p 60 FPS gaming in older titles.
What is the Tcase max for the i5-4690S?
The Tcase maximum is 71°C, slightly lower than the 72°C rating of the standard i5-4690.
Does the i5-4690S have integrated graphics?
Yes, it features Intel HD 4600 graphics running at 350-1200 MHz, adequate for basic display output and media consumption.
How much RAM does the i5-4690S support?
It supports up to 32GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory.
Is the i5-4690S faster than the i5-4670?
In single-core tasks, yes, due to the higher 3.9 GHz turbo (vs 3.8 GHz). In multi-core tasks, the 4670 may have a slight edge due to its higher base clock, but the difference is negligible.
Can I run Windows 11 on the i5-4690S?
Officially, no. It lacks TPM 2.0 and is not on Microsoft's supported CPU list. Unofficial methods exist but are not recommended for primary systems.
What chipsets are compatible with the i5-4690S?
It is compatible with Intel 80 Series (H81, B85, H87, Z87) and 90 Series (H97, Z97) chipsets.