Intel Core i5-4670
Intel Core i5-4670: Review and Relevance in 2025
Haswell Architecture, 22 nm, 4 Cores — Is it worth considering this processor today?
Key Specifications: The Legacy of Haswell
The Intel Core i5-4670, released in 2013, belongs to the fourth generation of Haswell architecture. Despite its age, it remains popular in the secondary market due to its reliability.
- Manufacturing Process and Energy Efficiency: The 22 nm technology ensures a TDP of 84 W. For its time, this was a balance between performance and heat generation.
- 4 Cores, 4 Threads: The absence of Hyper-Threading limits multitasking capabilities, but for simple tasks, the cores suffice.
- L3 Cache of 6 MB: Speeds up processing of frequently used data.
- Integrated Intel HD 4600 Graphics: Supports 4K via DisplayPort but is weak for gaming (e.g., CS:2 at low settings — 30-40 FPS).
- Performance: Geekbench 6 scores — 1169 (single-core), 3279 (multi-core). For comparison, the modern budget Core i3-13100 (2023) scores around ~2400/8800.
Key Features: Support for AVX2 instructions, improved DDR3 memory controller, SpeedStep power-saving technology.
Compatible Motherboards: A Search on the Edge of Archaeology
The i5-4670 uses the LGA 1150 socket, which has long been discontinued. New motherboards are not being produced, but leftovers can sometimes be found in warehouses:
- Chipsets:
- H81/B85 — basic models (ASUS H81M-K, ~$60-80 in 2025).
- Z87/Z97 — overclocking support (but the i5-4670 itself has a locked multiplier).
- Recommendations: Look for boards with USB 3.0, SATA III, and updated BIOS. Example: MSI B85M-E45.
Important: Many LGA 1150 boards have already been in use for 8-10 years — check the condition of capacitors before purchasing.
Memory: The DDR3 Era
The processor supports DDR3-1333/1600 (officially), but some boards allow overclocking up to 1866 MHz. By 2025, DDR3 is morally outdated, but 16 GB (2x8 GB) can be found for $30-40.
Tip: Use dual-channel mode to boost the performance of the integrated graphics.
Power Supply: Modest Appetite
With a TDP of 84 W and no overclocking, a system with the i5-4670 and a GTX 1650 level graphics card consumes ~250-300 W.
- Recommendations:
- Without a discrete graphics card: 300-400 W (Be Quiet! System Power 10, 400W, ~$45).
- With a graphics card: 500-550 W (Corsair CX550, ~$65).
Example: A build with an RTX 3050 and i5-4670 runs smoothly on a 500 W power supply.
Pros and Cons: Who is it Relevant for in 2025?
Pros:
- Low price in the secondary market (~$20-30).
- Sufficient performance for office tasks and older games.
- Reliability (assuming proper cooling).
Cons:
- No support for DDR4/PCIe 4.0.
- Weak multi-threading.
- Outdated graphics (DirectX 11.1, no HW-accelerated AV1).
Use Cases: Where Can It Still Thrive?
1. Office Tasks: Word, Excel, browser with 10+ tabs — no lags.
2. Media Center: 4K video via HDMI 1.4 (limited to 30 Hz) or DisplayPort.
3. Light Gaming: Dota 2, GTA V, Overwatch on low settings (with a GTX 1050 Ti graphics card).
4. Data Storage: Based on an H81 board, you can build a NAS with 4-6 SATA ports.
Real-Life Experience: A Reddit user built a PC with the i5-4670 and GTX 1660 for streaming retro games — it runs stably.
Comparison with Competitors: The Battle of Generations
- AMD FX-8350 (2012): 8 cores, but weak IPC. In gaming, it lags behind the i5-4670 (e.g., The Witcher 3 — 45 vs. 55 FPS).
- Intel Core i5-6500 (2015): More modern Skylake architecture, DDR4 support, but more expensive on the secondary market (~$40-50).
- Modern Alternatives: Pentium Gold G7400 (2023) — higher IPC, but 2 cores. For multitasking, the i5-4670 is preferable.
Building Tips: How to Avoid Problems
1. Cooling: The stock cooler is noisy — replace it with a Deepcool Gammaxx 400 (~$20).
2. SSD is a Must: A SATA SSD (Crucial MX500, 500 GB, ~$45) will eliminate the HDD bottleneck.
3. BIOS: Update to the latest version for compatibility with newer GPUs.
4. Graphics Card: Do not choose models more powerful than RTX 3060 — the processor will become a bottleneck.
Conclusion: Who Should Consider the i5-4670 in 2025?
This processor is suitable for:
- Budget Builds: If you need to assemble a PC for $150-200 (without a GPU).
- Upgrading Old Systems: Replacing outdated Core 2 Quad or Phenom II.
- Retro Hardware Enthusiasts: For experimenting with OS and software from the 2010s.
In Summary: The Intel Core i5-4670 is not for new AAA games or 4K editing, but as a temporary solution or base for simple tasks, it still holds value. The key is not to overpay and to carefully check components.