Quick Verdict
A highly efficient 45W desktop CPU for its time, but its low base clock makes it sluggish for modern tasks.
Overview
Launch
2014
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen Core i7
Market
Desktop
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 Intel Core i7-4790T is a 4th Gen Haswell processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads. With a 45W TDP and a boost clock of 3.9 GHz, it offers a balance of performance and efficiency.
It is ideal for legacy small form factor PCs and HTPCs where cooling is constrained.
Specifications
Performance
Good for office tasks but slow for rendering.
Limited by low clocks and 4 cores.
Low base clock limits gaming performance.
45W TDP was efficient for 2014, but outdated now.
- •Low base clock
- •HD 4600 is too weak
- •Not for gaming
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4790T utilizes the Haswell microarchitecture, manufactured on Intel's 22nm process. The defining characteristic is its 45-watt thermal design power (TDP), a significant reduction from the 84W of standard desktop models. The architecture features 4 cores and 8 threads via Hyper-Threading. To fit the 45W envelope, the base clock is reduced to 2.7 GHz, though it can boost up to 3.9 GHz under lighter loads. The architecture includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1600 MT/s. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 features 24 execution units and supports advanced video codecs. The architecture also includes Intel Speed Shift technology for faster frequency transitions. By optimizing the 14nm process, Haswell allowed for slightly higher clock speeds and better power efficiency at lower TDPs compared to Skylake, making it ideal for compact systems.
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 boost clocks
- Better thermals
Key Highlights
- Ultra-low 45W TDP
- Good for silent builds
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Includes HD 4600 graphics
- Low base clock
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process is outdated
- LGA 1150 is a dead platform
History
Launched on May 1, 2014, the Intel Core i7-4790T was part of the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh of the Haswell architecture. This release focused on refining the 22nm process and improving thermal management, although the 'T' series was primarily aimed at low-power applications. The i7-4790T was specifically designed for the growing small form factor (SFF) and all-in-one (AIO) markets, where thermal constraints made standard 84W processors impractical.
By offering a 45W TDP, the 4790T allowed manufacturers to build slim, quiet, and energy-efficient systems without sacrificing quad-core performance. It was widely adopted in business environments and home theater PC builds. However, the Haswell generation is often remembered as a period of stagnation for Intel, as AMD's Ryzen architecture launched shortly after, forcing Intel to rethink its core count strategies.
Today, the 4790T is considered end-of-life but remains a reliable component for basic, low-power computing tasks.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher boost clocks
- Better thermals
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Need Windows 11 support
- Want modern gaming performance
- Require high efficiency
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'T' suffix denotes a low-power desktop processor.
It has a TDP of just 45 watts.
It supports Intel Optane Memory.
The chip includes Intel HD Graphics 4600.
It uses the LGA 1150 socket.
It natively supports DDR3-1600 memory.
The processor has 8MB of L3 cache.
It was often used in all-in-one PCs.
It supports Intel vPro technology.
Despite being 4th Gen, it does not support Windows 11 officially.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4790T good for gaming?
No, its low base clock and HD 4600 graphics make it unsuitable for gaming.
What is the TDP of the i7-4790T?
It has a low 45-watt TDP.
Does the i7-4790T have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it features 4 cores and 8 threads.
Can the i7-4790T be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What socket does the i7-4790T use?
It uses the Intel LGA 1150 socket.
Does the i7-4790T support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the base clock of the i7-4790T?
The base clock is 2.7 GHz.
What generation is the i7-4790T?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-4790T have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4600.
Can the i7-4790T run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-4790T released?
It was released on May 1st, 2014.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-4790T?
It can boost up to 3.9 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-4790T have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-4790T support natively?
It natively supports DDR3-1600 memory.
Is the i7-4790T unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
Does the i7-4790T support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro technology.
Does the i7-4790T support PCIe 4.0?
No, it supports PCIe 3.0 only.
Is the i7-4790T good for video editing?
It can handle very basic editing but is too slow for modern workloads.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-4790T?
It supports up to 32GB of RAM.
What cooler is recommended for the i7-4790T?
A low-profile air cooler or stock Intel cooler is sufficient due to the 45W TDP.