Quick Verdict
A legendary CPU that was the first to hit 4.0 GHz base. It still holds up for basic use but is outdated for modern gaming.
Overview
Launch
2014
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen Core i7
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-4790K is an unlocked desktop processor launched in May 2014 as the flagship of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh. Built on the 22nm Haswell process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at an impressive base clock of 4.0 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz. The 'K' suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, making it a favorite among overclockers. It includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 88W TDP, it fits into the LGA 1150 socket. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600. The 4790K addressed the thermal issues of the 4770K by using improved thermal paste, allowing for higher sustained clocks and better overclocking headroom. It remains a beloved classic that provided immense performance for gamers and enthusiasts.
Launched in 2014, the Intel Core i7-4790K is the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh of Haswell. With a base clock of 4.0 GHz and improved thermals, it was the ultimate overclocking CPU of its era.
However, its 22nm process and lack of modern features make it outdated for current standards.
Specifications
Performance
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Bottlenecks modern GPUs but okay for older titles.
88W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.
- •Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- •Suitable for older games
- •Lacks modern security features
- •No AI hardware
- •Slow CPU inference
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
88 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4790K utilizes the Haswell microarchitecture, specifically the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh. Built on the 22nm process, it features 4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading. The architecture introduced AVX2, which doubled the throughput of integer operations. The key architectural improvement in the 4790K 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 and better overclocking headroom. It was the first Intel CPU to ship with a 4.0 GHz base clock. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s. 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
Unlocked multiplier.
- Higher clock speeds
- Improved thermal paste
- Better sustained performance
Key Highlights
- First 4.0 GHz base clock
- Improved thermals over 4770K
- Unlocked for overclocking
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- End-of-life platform
- High 88W TDP
- No Windows 11 support
- Outdated 22nm process
History
Launched on May 1, 2014, the Intel Core i7-4790K, codenamed 'Devil's Canyon', was released to address the thermal issues that plagued the i7-4770K. Intel upgraded the thermal interface material and the package design, allowing the 4790K to ship with an unprecedented 4.0 GHz base clock and 4.
4 GHz turbo boost. This made it the fastest mainstream desktop processor at the time and a favorite among overclockers. The 4790K dominated the high-end gaming market, easily handling any GPU and offering exceptional single-core performance.
It is often remembered as one of the best gaming CPUs of the 2010s. The release of the 4790K helped solidify Intel's dominance over AMD's FX series, which struggled to compete in single-threaded workloads. As technology advanced, it was eventually superseded by the Skylake architecture (i7-6700K) in 2015, which brought DDR4 memory support and a new socket.
The 4790K remains a beloved classic that marked the peak of the 22nm era.
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 i7-4790K is a legendary processor that should only be considered today if you are maintaining an existing LGA 1150 system. It still offers decent performance for basic computing and older games, and its unlocked multiplier allows for some overclocking fun. However, it is not recommended for new builds. The lack of Windows 11 support, high power consumption, and outdated instruction sets make it a poor choice for modern workloads. If you are building a budget PC, modern processors offer vastly superior performance and efficiency.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Need Windows 11 support
- Want modern gaming performance
- Require high efficiency
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was the first Intel CPU to feature a 4.0 GHz base clock.
It is known as 'Devil's Canyon'.
It uses improved thermal paste over the i7-4770K.
The 'K' suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier.
It supports Intel HD Graphics 4600.
The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.
The die size is 177 mm².
It originally retailed for $350.
It uses the LGA 1150 socket.
The max turbo frequency is 4.4 GHz.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4790K good for gaming?
No, it bottlenecks modern GPUs and lacks modern features.
Can the i7-4790K run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported.
What is the TDP of the i7-4790K?
It has an 88-watt TDP.
Does the i7-4790K have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 4 cores and 8 threads.
Can the i7-4790K be overclocked?
Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier.
What is Devil's Canyon?
It is the codename for the 4790K and 4690K refresh, featuring improved thermals.
What socket does the i7-4790K use?
It uses the LGA 1150 socket.
Does the i7-4790K support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-4790K?
It can boost up to 4.4 GHz.
Does the i7-4790K have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4600.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-4790K released?
It was released on May 1st, 2014.
What is the base clock of the i7-4790K?
The base clock is 4.0 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-4790K have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-4790K support?
It supports DDR3-1600 memory.
Is the i7-4790K unlocked?
Yes, it is fully unlocked for overclocking.
What is the die size of the i7-4790K?
The die size is 177 mm².
Does the i7-4790K support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-4790K?
It supports up to 32GB of RAM.
Does the i7-4790K support vPro?
No, vPro is not supported on K-series processors.
What cooler is recommended for the i7-4790K?
A high-end air cooler or 240mm AIO is recommended for overclocking.