Quick Verdict
The i5-4690T is an efficient quad-core squeezed into a 45W envelope. While it sacrifices base clock speed heavily to achieve this, it remains a reliable choice for specific embedded or OEM applications where heat is the primary enemy.
Overview
Launch
2014
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
4th Gen (Haswell Refresh)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-4690T represents the ultra-low-power tier of the Haswell Refresh lineup, engineered specifically for compact, thermally constrained environments. With a remarkably low 45W TDP, this quad-core processor drastically cuts power consumption compared to standard desktop parts.
The Intel Core i5-4690T is the strictest power configuration in the Haswell Refresh i5 lineup, operating at just 45W. To fit this envelope, the base clock drops significantly to 2.5 GHz, though it can turbo up to 3.
5 GHz for short bursts. This processor was primarily sold to OEMs for use in all-in-one PCs, NUC-like mini systems, and digital signage where cooling is minimal. It retains the full 6MB L3 cache and HD 4600 graphics, meaning it doesn't sacrifice functionality, just raw frequency.
For users looking to build or maintain extremely quiet or small systems on the LGA 1150 platform, the 4690T provides a no-compromise power efficiency solution.
Specifications
Performance
Sufficient for basic office and web tasks, but sustained multi-threaded workloads will quickly hit the 45W power limit, causing clocks to drop.
VT-d and vPro are great for lightweight VMs, but the aggressive power limiting and 4 threads restrict running multiple concurrent instances.
The low base clock of 2.5 GHz hurts minimum frame rates in CPU-heavy games. It is suitable only for very light or older 2D/esports titles.
Excellent efficiency for its era. The 45W TDP ensures very low idle and load power consumption, perfect for always-on devices.
- •2.5 GHz base clock results in low minimum FPS
- •45W power limit restricts sustained multi-core turbo
- •HD 4600 graphics are insufficient for modern gaming
- •Only suitable for retro or extremely light game titles
- •No AI hardware
- •Power limits severely throttle any vector processing
- •Not applicable for AI workloads
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i5-4690T shares the fundamental 22nm Haswell microarchitecture with its siblings but is aggressively binned and configured for a 45W thermal envelope. It features four physical cores and four threads, sacrificing multi-threaded clock speeds to fit within the strict power limits.
CPU Design
The processor retains the 6MB L3 cache and dual-channel DDR3-1600 support. The FIVR (Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator) is crucial for this SKU, allowing incredibly fine-grained power management to switch between low-power idle states and turbo frequencies efficiently. The integrated HD 4600 graphics have a lower maximum dynamic frequency compared to the 84W models, peaking at 1200 MHz to save power.
Memory Subsystem
Memory support is identical to the rest of the lineup, supporting dual-channel DDR3 up to 1600 MT/s, yielding 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth. Power consumption of the memory controller is tightly managed by the FIVR to maintain the 45W system TDP.
PCIe & I/O
Provides the standard 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU. Despite the low TDP, there is no compromise on PCIe connectivity, allowing for a full-bandwidth discrete GPU if thermal conditions in the chassis permit.
Overclocking
The i5-4690T has a locked multiplier and is explicitly not designed for overclocking. The focus of this silicon is strictly on power efficiency and thermal management within small enclosures.
- Maintained 45W TDP while increasing max turbo to 3.5 GHz
- Full quad-core design (note: 4570T was dual-core with HT)
- Better idle power consumption via Haswell Refresh optimizations
- Added TSX-NI support (prior to microcode disable)
Key Highlights
- Extremely low 45W TDP for fanless or compact designs
- True quad-core performance in a low-power envelope
- Includes VT-d, vPro, and TXT for enterprise use
- Good burst performance up to 3.5 GHz
- Very low heat output
- Low 2.5 GHz base clock hurts minimum frame rates
- Aggressive power limiting throttles sustained loads
- Locked multiplier
- Often overpriced on the used market due to scarcity
- Only supports DDR3
- LGA 1150 platform is obsolete
History
The 'T' suffix in Intel's nomenclature designates their ultra-low-power desktop offerings, and the i5-4690T fulfilled this role for the Haswell Refresh generation. Released in May 2014, it was a solution tailored for OEMs rather than the DIY market. </br></br> As the PC market shifted towards thinner all-in-ones and smaller mini-PCs around 2014, the demand for standard 84W processors diminished in those form factors.
The 4690T allowed manufacturers to offer true quad-core performance without requiring bulky cooling apparatuses, a significant step up from the dual-core chips previously used in such systems. </br></br> While it flew under the radar for most enthusiasts, the 4690T showcased the flexibility of the Haswell architecture, proving that Intel could scale the same fundamental design down to 45W without disabling cores. It paved the way for the highly efficient small form factor processors we see today.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Maintained 45W TDP while increasing max turbo to 3.5 GHz
- Full quad-core design (note: 4570T was dual-core with HT)
- Better idle power consumption via Haswell Refresh optimizations
- Added TSX-NI support (prior to microcode disable)
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Replacing a failed CPU in an older OEM mini PC, AIO system, or digital signage player bound to the LGA 1150 platform.
Avoid if…
- Building a new custom PC
- You play modern games
- You need sustained multi-threaded performance
- Cost is a primary concern (T-series CPUs are often expensive due to low volume)
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'T' suffix indicates Intel's ultra-low-power desktop segment, stricter than the 'S' suffix.
Unlike the i5-4570T which was a dual-core processor with Hyper-Threading, the i5-4690T is a true quad-core.
It was rarely sold at retail; most units went directly to OEMs like Dell, HP, and Lenovo for AIO PCs.
The part number SR1QT identifies this specific 45W Haswell Refresh chip.
The HD 4600 graphics run at a max dynamic frequency of 1200 MHz, same as the 65W and 84W models.
Despite the low TDP, it uses the exact same 177 mm² die as the i5-4690K.
It supports TXT (Trusted Execution Technology) for secure boot environments, a feature missing on K-series CPUs.
Under full AVX2 loads, the CPU will drop clocks significantly to stay within the 45W limit.
This processor is a popular choice for custom home router/firewall builds (like pfSense) due to its low power and VT-d support.
The Tcase maximum is 72°C, identical to the 84W standard models.
People Also Ask
What does the T stand for in i5-4690T?
The 'T' suffix indicates an ultra-low-power processor. These chips have significantly lower base clocks and TDPs (45W) to minimize heat generation.
Is the i5-4690T good for gaming?
No, the 2.5 GHz base clock and 45W power limit result in poor minimum frame rates and stuttering in modern games. It is designed for office and media tasks.
Can the i5-4690T be passively cooled?
With a large enough aftermarket heatsink and good case convection, the 45W TDP makes passive cooling achievable, though it requires careful thermal design.
Does the i5-4690T have 4 real cores?
Yes, unlike the older i5-4570T which was a dual-core with Hyper-Threading, the i5-4690T features four physical cores and four threads.
What is the difference between i5-4690T and i5-4690S?
The i5-4690T has a 45W TDP and 2.5 GHz base clock, prioritizing extreme efficiency. The i5-4690S has a 65W TDP and 3.2 GHz base clock, offering better sustained performance.
Why is the i5-4690T so expensive on the used market?
T-series processors were produced in lower volumes and are highly sought after for specific ITX, homelab, and embedded upgrades, driving up prices despite their age.
Does the i5-4690T support VT-d?
Yes, it supports VT-d, making it an excellent low-power choice for basic home servers or pfSense routers requiring PCIe passthrough.
Can I overclock the i5-4690T?
No, it has a locked multiplier and is strictly designed to operate within its 45W power envelope.
What OEM systems used the i5-4690T?
It was commonly found in compact business desktops from Lenovo (ThinkCentre Tiny), HP (ProDesk Mini), and Dell (OptiPlex Micro), as well as AIO systems.
Does the i5-4690T support DDR4?
No, it only supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i5-4690T come with a stock cooler?
OEM versions (tray) do not. Boxed retail versions included a low-profile Intel stock cooler designed for the 45W TDP.
Can I use the i5-4690T in a standard ATX motherboard?
Yes, it is fully compatible with any LGA 1150 ATX motherboard, though it is overkill to put such a low-power CPU in a large board unless aiming for absolute silence.
Will the i5-4690T bottleneck a GT 1030?
In CPU-heavy games, yes, the low base clock will bottleneck the GPU. For media playback or light esports, it pairs adequately.
What is the max turbo for the i5-4690T?
The maximum turbo boost frequency is 3.5 GHz on a single core, and slightly lower (around 3.3-3.4 GHz) when all four cores are active.
Does the i5-4690T support TXT?
Yes, it supports Intel Trusted Execution Technology, which is often required for secure corporate kiosk and digital signage deployments.
How much RAM does the i5-4690T support?
It supports up to 32GB of dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory.
What is the Tcase max for the i5-4690T?
The Tcase maximum is 72°C.
Is the i5-4690T good for video editing?
No, the low base clock and 45W power limit make it very slow for video rendering. It is suited only for basic media playback.
Can I run Windows 11 on the i5-4690T?
Officially, no. It is not on Microsoft's supported CPU list and lacks native TPM 2.0.
Does the i5-4690T have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD 4600 graphics with a base frequency of 350 MHz and a max dynamic frequency of 1200 MHz.