Intel Core i5-4590
Intel Core i5-4590: Review and Recommendations for PC Build in 2025
Timeless Haswell architecture: Still relevant?
Key Specifications
The Intel Core i5-4590 processor, released in 2014, remains a popular choice for budget builds even a decade later. Its Haswell architecture (22 nm) features 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and turbo boost up to 3.7 GHz. The 6 MB L3 cache provides quick data access, while the 84 W TDP makes it energy-efficient for its specifications.
Key Features:
- Integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics: supports 4K via DisplayPort but is weak for gaming or video editing.
- No Hyper-Threading technology — multi-threading is limited.
- Support for AVX2 and FMA3 instructions: useful for modern applications optimized for these sets.
Performance:
- In Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 1116 points. For comparison, the Ryzen 3 4300G (2022) scores around 1400.
- Multi-Core: 3143 points. This is on par with entry-level processors from 2023-2024, like the Core i3-12100.
Compatible Motherboards
The LGA 1150 socket is the main limitation for upgrades. Suitable chipsets:
- H81/B85: budget boards (e.g., ASUS H81M-K). No RAID or overclocking support.
- H87/H97: more SATA 6 Gbps and USB 3.0 ports.
- Z87/Z97: for enthusiasts (memory overclocking, SLI/CrossFire). Example: MSI Z97 Gaming 5.
Selection Tips for 2025:
- New LGA 1150 boards are hardly produced anymore. Prices for remaining stock: $80–120 (e.g., ASRock H97 Pro4).
- Check the condition of used boards: bulging capacitors or damaged sockets are common issues.
Supported Memory
The Core i5-4590 works with DDR3-1333/1600 MHz memory. Capacity up to 32 GB (4 slots of 8 GB each).
- DDR3L (1.35 V): compatible, but standard DDR3 (1.5 V) will also work.
- DDR4/DDR5 is not supported — this is a major drawback for upgrades.
Example Configuration:
- 16 GB DDR3-1600 (2x8 GB): $45–60 for new modules (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury).
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 84 W and no overclocking, a 400–500 W PSU is sufficient.
- Without discrete graphics card: 300 W (e.g., be quiet! SFX Power 3 300W).
- With a graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660: 450–500 W (Corsair CX450).
Important:
- Avoid cheap noname power supplies — unstable voltage can damage components.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliability: Haswell is known for its stability even under long loads.
- Energy efficiency: suitable for compact builds (e.g., HTPC).
- Price: used processors cost $25–40, while new ones (rare) go for up to $100.
Cons:
- No support for PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, NVMe (only through adapters).
- Weak upgrade path: replacing the processor will require a platform change.
Use Cases
Office Tasks and Multimedia
- Document work, browsing (10+ tabs), 4K video — the processor will handle it easily.
- Example: a build based on i5-4590 + 256 GB SSD + 8 GB DDR3 is ideal for home or office.
Gaming
- Older AAA titles (2015–2018): GTA V, The Witcher 3 at medium settings (60 FPS with GTX 1060).
- Modern games: demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 will run at low settings (30–40 FPS).
Work Tasks
- Photo editors (Photoshop, Lightroom): acceptable, but 4K rendering will take time.
- Virtualization: 4 cores are enough for 1–2 light virtual machines.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD FX-8350 (Piledriver, 8 Cores)
- AMD Pros: better in multi-threaded tasks (rendering).
- Cons: high TDP (125 W), weak IPC. In gaming, the i5-4590 wins by 15–20%.
Intel Core i3-10100 (Comet Lake, 4 Cores/8 Threads)
- The i3-10100 is faster in multitasking (+30% in Geekbench Multi-Core), supports DDR4.
- However, the new platform is more expensive: motherboard + DDR4 will cost $150 versus $80–100 for the i5-4590.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. SSD is a must: A SATA drive (e.g., Samsung 870 EVO 500 GB for $50) will eliminate the bottleneck of old HDDs.
2. Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation, choose a DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
3. Add a discrete graphics card: even a GTX 1650 (used for $90) will turn the system into a gaming setup for 1080p.
4. Check BIOS: older boards may require an update for SSD or new OS support.
Conclusion: Who is the i5-4590 Suitable for in 2025?
This processor is worth considering for:
- Owners of older PCs: upgrade without changing the motherboard and memory.
- Budget build enthusiasts: if you need a PC for $200–300 for office or media center use.
- Temporary solution: while saving for a modern platform (AM5/LGA 1700).
Why not? If you work with 4K video, play new releases, or use resource-intensive applications — better to choose Ryzen 5 5500 or Core i3-12100F. However, for basic tasks, the i5-4590 is still relevant due to its low price and proven reliability.