End-of-life4th Gen Core i7

Intel · Core i7

Intel Core i7-4771

A locked alternative to the 4770K with identical out-of-the-box performance.

Legacy Desktop PCsOffice WorkstationsProductivityBudget BuildsHome PCs

Cores / Threads

4/ 8

Base / Boost

3.5/ 3.9 GHz

PCIe Lanes

16

L3 Cache

8MB

TDP

84W

Socket

Intel Socket 1150

Verdict

6/ 10

60

Quick Verdict

A solid 2013 CPU that matches the 4770K in stock performance but lacks overclocking, making it obsolete today.

Best for:Legacy Desktop PCsOffice WorkstationsProductivityBudget BuildsHome PCs

Overview

Launch

2013

Status

End-of-life

Generation

4th Gen Core i7

Market

Desktop

About this CPU

The Intel Core i7-4771 is a desktop processor launched in September 2013 as a minor refresh within the 4th Generation Haswell family. Designed for the LGA 1150 socket, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.5 GHz and boosting up to 3.9 GHz. Built on the 22nm process, it includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. With an 84W TDP, it offers identical performance to the i7-4770K but lacks an unlocked multiplier, meaning it cannot be overclocked via the CPU ratio. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600 for basic display tasks. The i7-4771 was essentially an OEM-focused or slightly repackaged alternative to the 4770, offering high-end computing power for pre-built systems and standard desktop users. While it has been succeeded by many generations, it remains a capable chip for legacy computing and basic productivity.

Launched in 2013, the Intel Core i7-4771 is a Haswell desktop processor featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a max turbo of 3.9 GHz. It matches the i7-4770K in stock performance but has a locked multiplier.

It is suitable for legacy desktop tasks but is outdated for modern workloads.

Specifications

ArchitectureHaswell
Manufacturing Process22nm
Cores / Threads4 / 8
Base Clock3.5 GHz
Boost Clock3.9 GHz
L3 Cache8 MB
TDP84 W
Memory TypeDDR3
Memory Speed1600 MT/s
Memory ChannelsDual-Channel (2)
Max Memory32 GB
PCIe Version / LanesPCIe 3.0 × 16
Integrated GraphicsYes
Dual-Channel16 PCIe Lanes
Target Audience
GamersStreamersContent CreatorsDevelopersWorkstation UsersOffice UsersStudents

Performance

Productivity
40Limited

Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.

Virtualization
35Limited

Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.

Gaming
25Limited

Bottlenecks modern GPUs; okay for older titles.

Efficiency
20Limited

84W TDP is inefficient by modern standards.

GamingPoor
  • Bottlenecks modern GPUs
  • Suitable for older games
  • Lacks modern security features
CreatorPoor
Basic PhotoshopLight 1080p Editing
AI / MLNone
  • No AI hardware
  • Slow CPU inference
Industry Impact
Gaming
Moderate
Workstations
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Virtualization
Low

Architecture

22nm

Process Node

Haswell

Codename

4C / 8T

Core Config

8 MB

L3 Cache

84 W

TDP

Architecture Overview

The Core i7-4771 utilizes the Haswell microarchitecture, manufactured on Intel's 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, and TSX for improved multi-threaded performance. 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. Haswell also introduced a more advanced power management system, allowing the processor to transition between power states more quickly. The architecture routes 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU. Unlike the 4770K, the 4771 has a locked multiplier, preventing CPU ratio overclocking. This architecture was a key stepping stone in Intel's evolution toward highly efficient processors, bridging the gap between Ivy Bridge and Broadwell.

CPU Design

4 cores with Hyper-Threading.

Memory Subsystem

Dual-channel DDR3 support.

PCIe & I/O

16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.

Overclocking

Locked multiplier.

Generation Comparison
Intel Core i7-3771Intel Core i7-4771Intel Core i7-4790
  • AVX2 support
  • Better integrated graphics
  • Improved voltage regulation

Key Highlights

3.9 GHz Turbo Boost
High clock speeds for excellent single-core performance in 2013.
4 Cores / 8 Threads
Standard high-end configuration for multitasking.
8MB L3 Cache
Large cache for improved gaming latency.
HD 4600 Graphics
Integrated graphics for basic display needs.
Strengths
  • Matches 4770K stock performance
  • 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
  • Supports AVX2
  • Includes VT-d
Weaknesses
  • Locked multiplier
  • End-of-life platform
  • No Windows 11 support
  • High 84W TDP

History

Launch Date
2013
Status
End-of-life
Generation
4th Gen Core i7
Market
Desktop
The Story

Launched on September 1, 2013, the Intel Core i7-4771 was a minor SKU refresh released a few months after the initial Haswell lineup. It was designed to offer the same out-of-the-box performance as the popular i7-4770K but without the unlocked multiplier, targeting users who didn't intend to overclock. The 4771 was primarily found in pre-built systems and standard desktop configurations.

During this period, Intel dominated the desktop CPU market, and the Haswell architecture provided excellent single-core performance that AMD's FX series couldn't match. The release of the 4771 helped fill out Intel's product stack, offering system builders a slightly different price-to-performance tier. Like the rest of the Haswell family, it was eventually superseded by the 'Devil's Canyon' refresh (i7-4790) in 2014, which offered higher clock speeds and improved thermal management.

Today, the 4771 is a relic of Intel's past dominance in the mainstream desktop market.

Improvements over Previous Generation

  • AVX2 support
  • Better integrated graphics
  • Improved voltage regulation

Alternatives & Competitors

Intel Core i7-4790
Slightly faster drop-in upgrade for old boards.
Intel Core i3-12100
Modern budget CPU that vastly outperforms it.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Modern budget alternative.
Intel Core i5-12400F
Best value modern gaming CPU.
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Cheap and highly capable.
Direct Competitors
AMD FX-8350AMD FX-8320Intel Core i7-4770Intel Core i5-4670AMD FX-6300

Should You Buy It?

Not Recommended for the right buyer

The Core i7-4771 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 or retro gaming.

Avoid if…

  • Building a new PC
  • Need Windows 11 support
  • Want modern gaming performance
  • Require high efficiency

Use Cases

Web Browsing
Good
Office Productivity
Very Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Light Gaming
Fair
Programming
Good

Interesting Facts

It was released a few months after the initial Haswell launch.

It has identical performance to the i7-4770K at stock speeds.

The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.

It supports Intel Turbo Boost 2.0.

The die size is 177 mm².

It was often found in OEM pre-built systems.

It originally retailed for $320.

It uses the LGA 1150 socket.

The max turbo frequency is 3.9 GHz.

It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.

People Also Ask

Is the i7-4771 good for gaming?

No, it is too old for modern gaming and bottlenecks current GPUs.

Can the i7-4771 run Windows 11?

No, it is not officially supported.

What is the difference between i7-4770 and i7-4771?

They are essentially identical in performance; the 4771 was a minor SKU refresh.

What is the TDP of the i7-4771?

It has an 84-watt TDP.

Can the i7-4771 be overclocked?

No, the multiplier is locked.

What socket does the i7-4771 use?

It uses the LGA 1150 socket.

Does the i7-4771 support DDR4?

No, it supports DDR3 memory.

What generation is the i7-4771?

It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor.

What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-4771?

It can boost up to 3.9 GHz.

Does the i7-4771 have integrated graphics?

Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4600.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Core i7-4771 released?

It was released on September 1st, 2013.

What is the base clock of the i7-4771?

The base clock is 3.5 GHz.

How much L3 cache does the i7-4771 have?

It has 8MB of L3 cache.

What memory speed does the i7-4771 support?

It supports DDR3-1600 memory.

Is the i7-4771 unlocked?

No, the multiplier is locked.

What is the die size of the i7-4771?

The die size is 177 mm².

Does the i7-4771 support PCIe 3.0?

Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.

Is the i7-4771 good for video editing?

It can handle basic 1080p editing but is slow for modern workloads.

What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-4771?

It supports up to 32GB of RAM.

Does the i7-4771 support vPro?

Yes, it supports Intel vPro technology.