Intel Core i5-4690
Intel Core i5-4690: Review of an Obsolete Yet Resilient Processor from 2014
April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Haswell Architecture and Its Legacy
The Intel Core i5-4690 processor, released in 2014, became part of Intel's fourth generation of Core processors (codename Haswell). Despite its age, it still appears in budget builds and upgrade systems.
Technology and Cores:
- 22 nm process: By 2025 standards, this is an archaic process, but at the time, it optimized energy efficiency.
- 4 cores / 4 threads: The lack of Hyper-Threading limits multitasking, but it's sufficient for light tasks.
- Base frequency of 3.5 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz: Even now, this allows for comfortable use with office applications.
Cache and Graphics:
- 6 MB L3 cache: Enough for caching data in games and simple workloads.
- Intel HD 4600: Integrated graphics handle Full HD video and older games (e.g., CS:GO on low settings).
Performance:
- Geekbench 6: 1209 (Single-Core) / 3298 (Multi-Core). For comparison, a modern budget Intel Core i3-12100 scores around 1800/6000, but the i5-4690 still outperforms Pentium Gold processors from 2018-2020.
Key Features:
- Support for AVX2 and TSX instructions — useful for enthusiasts optimizing software for older systems.
- Power consumption (TDP of 84 W) is lower than many modern counterparts.
2. Compatible Motherboards: LGA 1150 Socket and Chipsets
The LGA 1150 socket is the main limitation for upgrades. New motherboards haven't been produced since 2015, but options can be found on the secondary market (e.g., eBay) for $30–80.
Chipsets:
- H81 / B85: Budget boards without overclocking. Example: ASUS H81M-K ($60–80 in 2025 for new, though unlikely).
- Z87 / Z97: For enthusiasts, supporting overclocking (though the i5-4690 has a locked multiplier). Boards like MSI Z97 Gaming 5 are valued for reliability.
Selection Tips:
- Check the condition of the VRM (voltage regulator modules) on used boards — wear is possible.
- Look for models with USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gbps for SSDs.
3. Memory: Only DDR3
The i5-4690 supports DDR3-1333/1600 MHz (maximum capacity — 32 GB).
Recommendations:
- Use two 8 GB modules (16 GB in dual-channel) for a balance of price and performance.
- Avoid cheap noname sticks — stability is crucial for older systems.
Example: A Kingston HyperX Fury 16 GB (2×8 GB) DDR3-1600 kit costs about $45–60 (new modules are rare but still available).
4. Power Supply: Minimum 400 W
With a TDP of 84 W, the processor doesn’t require a powerful PSU, but considering a discrete graphics card:
- Integrated Graphics: 300 W is sufficient (for example, the be quiet! System Power 10 400W, $45).
- Graphics Card Level GTX 1650: Recommended 450–500 W (Corsair CX550, $60).
Important: Choose a PSU with 80 Plus Bronze certification and overload protection.
5. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Price: On the secondary market — $25–40 (processor) + $50–80 (motherboard).
- Reliability: Haswell is known for stability — systems run for years.
- Energy Efficiency: Suitable for low-power builds (e.g., home servers).
Cons:
- Obsolete platform: No support for DDR4, PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2.
- No upgrade potential: Maximum upgrade is to an i7-4790K (4 cores / 8 threads).
6. Use Scenarios
Office and Multimedia:
- Document work, browser (10+ tabs), viewing 4K video through decoding.
Light Gaming:
- Minecraft, Dota 2, Rocket League at medium settings (with a graphics card like GTX 1050 Ti).
Home Server/NAS:
- Low power consumption and sufficient performance for file management and Docker containers.
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD FX-8350 (2012):
- 8 cores, but weak IPC. In games, the i5-4690 wins by 15–20%.
- Price: $20–30 on the secondary market.
Intel Core i3-10100 (2020):
- 4 cores / 8 threads, DDR4 support. 30% faster in multi-threaded tasks. New costs $90–110.
Conclusion: The i5-4690 remains relevant only under a tight budget of up to $100 for the entire build.
8. Practical Build Tips
- SSD is essential: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will eliminate system "stutters."
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for quiet, consider a Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
- Graphics Card: GTX 1060 6 GB (used for $80) — maximum without a bottleneck.
- OS: Windows 10 LTSC or Linux (older drivers may conflict with Windows 11).
9. Final Verdict: Who is the i5-4690 Suitable for in 2025?
- Budget Users: Building a PC for internet and office tasks for $150–200.
- Old Game Enthusiasts: Retro systems with Windows 7 and DirectX 11.
- Owners of Old PCs: Upgrade without replacing the motherboard and memory.
Why Not? If you're building a system from scratch and the budget allows, it's better to choose a Ryzen 5 5500 ($120) or Intel i3-12100 ($100) — they offer future-proofing.
Conclusion: The Intel Core i5-4690 is an example of a "workhorse" that has survived a decade. It's not for new projects, but as a temporary or niche solution, it remains justified.