Quick Verdict
A solid 2014 CPU that still handles basic tasks, but struggles with modern workloads and lacks Windows 11 support.
Overview
Launch
2014
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen Core i7
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-4790 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in May 2014 as part of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh of the 4th Generation Haswell family. Built on the 22nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 84W TDP, it was a popular choice for gamers and content creators, offering strong single-core performance and excellent multi-threading capabilities. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing basic display capabilities. The i7-4790 addressed the thermal issues of the i7-4770 by using improved thermal paste under the IHS. While it has been succeeded by multiple generations, it remains a capable performer for basic computing and older games.
Launched in 2014, the Intel Core i7-4790 is a Haswell desktop CPU featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and 8MB of L3 cache. It delivers solid single-core performance for older games and applications. It was part of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh that improved thermals over the i7-4770.
Specifications
Performance
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older esports titles.
84W TDP is high for this performance level by modern standards.
- •Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- •Suitable for older games
- •Lacks AVX-512
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •Slow CPU inference
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
84 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4790 utilizes the Haswell microarchitecture, specifically the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh. Built on the 22nm process, it features 4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 8 concurrent threads. The architecture introduced AVX2, which doubled the throughput of integer operations. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s. For graphics, it relies on Intel HD Graphics 4600, which features 20 execution units. The key improvement in the 4790 over the 4770 is the use of a higher-quality thermal interface material (TIM) under the integrated heat spreader (IHS), which significantly improves heat dissipation and allows for higher sustained boost clocks. The architecture routes 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU. This architecture was a key stepping stone in Intel's evolution toward highly efficient processors.
CPU Design
4 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Higher clock speeds
- Improved thermal paste
- Better sustained performance
Key Highlights
- Improved thermals over 4770
- 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Supports AVX2
- End-of-life platform
- High 84W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Locked multiplier
History
Launched on May 1, 2014, the Intel Core i7-4790 was part of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh, designed to address the thermal issues that plagued the i7-4770. Intel upgraded the thermal interface material under the integrated heat spreader, allowing the 4790 to achieve higher clock speeds out of the box. With a base clock of 3.
6 GHz and a boost of 4.0 GHz, it was the fastest mainstream quad-core processor at the time. The 4790 became highly popular among gamers and enthusiasts who didn't need an unlocked multiplier, offering top-tier stock performance.
It was widely adopted in custom builds and pre-built systems alike. The release of the 4790 helped Intel maintain its dominance in the desktop CPU market against AMD's FX series. As technology advanced, it was eventually superseded by the Skylake architecture (i7-6700) in 2015, which brought DDR4 memory support.
Nevertheless, the 4790 remains a classic Intel processor from the 2010s.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher clock speeds
- Improved thermal paste
- Better sustained performance
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
The Core i7-4790 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.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Need Windows 11 support
- Want modern gaming performance
- Require high efficiency
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is part of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh.
It uses improved thermal paste over the i7-4770.
The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.
It supports Intel Turbo Boost 2.0.
The die size is 177 mm².
It was a popular choice for Steam Machines.
It originally retailed for $312.
It uses the LGA 1150 socket.
The max turbo frequency is 4.0 GHz.
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4790 good for gaming?
No, it bottlenecks modern GPUs and lacks modern instruction sets.
Can the i7-4790 run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported.
What is the TDP of the i7-4790?
It has an 84-watt TDP.
Does the i7-4790 have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 4 cores and 8 threads.
Can the i7-4790 be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does the i7-4790 use?
It uses the LGA 1150 socket.
Does the i7-4790 support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What generation is the i7-4790?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-4790?
It can boost up to 4.0 GHz.
Does the i7-4790 have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4600.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-4790 released?
It was released on May 1st, 2014.
What is the base clock of the i7-4790?
The base clock is 3.6 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-4790 have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-4790 support?
It supports DDR3-1600 memory.
Is the i7-4790 unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the die size of the i7-4790?
The die size is 177 mm².
Does the i7-4790 support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-4790 good for video editing?
It can handle basic 1080p editing but is slow for 4K.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-4790?
It supports up to 32GB of RAM.
Does the i7-4790 support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro technology.