Intel Core i5-4670R
Intel Core i5-4670R: Review of an Outdated but Still Relevant Processor for Budget Systems (2025)
Introduction
The Intel Core i5-4670R processor, released in 2013, was one of the first chips to feature Intel Iris Pro 5200 integrated graphics. Despite its age, it is still found in budget builds and systems for specific tasks. In this article, we will explore who might find this CPU useful in 2025, its strengths and weaknesses, and how to properly build a PC based on it.
1. Key Specifications
Architecture and Technology Process
The i5-4670R is built on the Haswell microarchitecture with a 22 nm technology process. This is the fourth generation of Intel Core processors, which brought improvements in energy efficiency and graphics performance.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no Hyper-Threading).
- Frequency: Base — 3.0 GHz, turbo mode — up to 3.7 GHz.
- Cache: L3 — 4 MB.
- TDP: 65 W.
Key Feature — integrated graphics Iris Pro 5200 with eDRAM (128 MB). In 2013, this was a high-end iGPU, surpassing standard HD solutions. For example, it handled games like Dota 2 at medium settings (720p).
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses LGA1150. Compatible chipsets include:
- H81, B85 — basic models for office PCs.
- H87, H97 — support for RAID, more SATA ports.
- Z87, Z97 — overclocking support (although the i5-4670R has a locked multiplier).
Important: New motherboards for LGA1150 have not been produced since 2016. By 2025, they can only be found on the secondary market. The average price for used boards is $30–$60 (e.g., ASUS H97-PRO GAMER).
Tip: Check the condition of VRM modules and capacitors — older boards often suffer from overheating.
3. Supported Memory
The i5-4670R only works with DDR3:
- Frequencies: Up to 1600 MHz (officially), but some boards support overclocking up to 1866–2133 MHz.
- Capacity: Up to 32 GB (4 slots × 8 GB).
Limitation: DDR4/DDR5 are not supported. In comparison, even budget Ryzen 2023+ CPUs use DDR4, making memory upgrades on a system with the i5-4670R impossible.
Example Configuration: 16 GB DDR3-1600 (2×8 GB) — sufficient for most tasks.
4. Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 65 W and no support for a discrete GPU (if using Iris Pro), a 400–500 W power supply will be adequate.
- Without a discrete graphics card: A power supply of 300–400 W (e.g., be quiet! Pure Power 11 400W, ~$55).
- With a GTX 1650 level graphics card: 450–500 W (Corsair CX450M, ~$65).
Tip: Choose a power supply with an 80+ Bronze certification and overload protection.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Energy Efficiency: 65 W TDP is suitable for compact builds.
- Powerful Integrated Graphics: The Iris Pro 5200 still handles 4K video and light gaming well.
- Availability: The used processor can be bought for $40–$60.
Cons:
- Outdated Platform: No support for NVMe, USB 3.1, DDR4.
- Limited Performance: Lags behind modern Ryzen 3 in multi-threaded tasks (rendering, streaming).
- Risk of Buying Used: High wear after 10+ years of use.
6. Use Case Scenarios
Office Tasks and Multimedia
- Example: Working with Office, browsing (20+ tabs), watching 4K video (via HDMI 1.4).
- Recommendations: Add an SSD (e.g., Kingston A400 240 GB) to speed up the system.
Light Gaming
- Games: CS:GO (60 FPS on medium, 1080p), Minecraft (with mods), Stardew Valley.
- Tip: For games like Fortnite, a discrete graphics card (GTX 1050 Ti or similar) will be required.
Home Server or HTPC
- Pros: Low power consumption, virtualization support (VT-x).
- Cons: Limitations on the number of SATA ports in older chipsets.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD A10-7850K (2014)
- Pros: Cheaper ($25–$30 used), more powerful iGPU (Radeon R7).
- Cons: Weaker in single-threaded tasks, higher TDP (95 W).
Intel Core i3-10100 (2020)
- Pros: Supports DDR4, PCIe 3.0, twice the performance.
- Cons: Newer platform is more expensive (motherboard + memory).
Conclusion: The i5-4670R is only relevant for a strict budget of up to $150 for the entire build.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
1. Choosing a Case: Mini-ITX (e.g., Cooler Master Elite 110) for an HTPC or compact office PC.
2. Cooling: Stock cooler is sufficient, but replace it with a Noctua NH-L9i (~$45) for quieter operation.
3. Storage: SATA SSD is essential — an HDD will bottleneck the system.
4. Backup: Regularly check the condition of SSDs and HDDs — older chips can fail.
Example Build:
- CPU: i5-4670R ($50 used).
- Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS ($40 used).
- Memory: 16 GB DDR3-1600 ($25 used).
- Storage: 500 GB SSD ($35).
- PSU: EVGA 500 W1 ($45).
- Total: ~$195.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the i5-4670R Suitable For in 2025?
This processor is worth considering for:
- Budget Users: Building a PC for internet, movies, and office work for $200–$250.
- Retro Gaming Enthusiasts: Playing 2010s games on original hardware.
- Owners of Old Systems: Upgrading without replacing the motherboard and memory.
Do not choose the i5-4670R if:
- You need performance for modern games or applications.
- You plan to upgrade in the next 2–3 years.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i5-4670R is an example of a "long-lived" processor. It may lag behind modern counterparts but remains a viable option for niche tasks. Its main advantages are affordability and integrated graphics, which continue to impress with their versatility.