Intel Core i7-4770
Intel Core i7-4770: Review of an Outdated but Still Useful Processor (April 2025)
Introduction
Even 12 years after its release (2013), the Intel Core i7-4770 remains a popular choice for budget builds. However, by 2025, its capabilities are severely limited. Let's explore who it’s suitable for and where to find more modern solutions.
1. Key Specifications: Haswell Architecture and Its Legacy
Architecture and Process Technology
The Core i7-4770 is built on the Haswell microarchitecture (4th generation Intel Core) with a 22 nm process technology. It was the first Intel processor to support AVX2, a set of instructions for accelerating calculations in rendering and encryption tasks.
Performance
- 4 cores / 8 threads (Hyper-Threading).
- Base clock speed: 3.4 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz.
- Geekbench 6: 1225 (Single-Core), 3815 (Multi-Core). For comparison, the modern budget Core i3-13100 scores around ~2200/8500.
Key Features
- Integrated graphics Intel HD 4600 (DirectX 11.1, 4K via DisplayPort).
- Support for PCIe 3.0 (16 lanes).
- Power-saving technologies: Enhanced SpeedStep, Thermal Monitoring.
Practical Example: In 2023, a user assembled a PC with an i7-4770 for a home server. The processor can handle a NAS based on TrueNAS but struggles with simultaneous video streaming in Plex.
2. Compatible Motherboards: The Hunt for LGA 1150 Socket
Socket and Chipsets
The processor uses the outdated LGA 1150 socket. Suitable chipsets include:
- Z87 — for overclocking (but the i7-4770 has a locked multiplier).
- H87/B85 — basic functions, supporting SATA 6 Gb/s and USB 3.0.
- H81 — budget option without RAID and additional ports.
Selection Tips
- No new boards are produced. The only option is the second-hand market (price: $30-60).
- Look for models with intact capacitors (e.g., ASUS H87-PLUS, Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H).
- Check for BIOS updates for compatibility with Windows 11 (requires modifications).
Important: Such motherboards lack modern interfaces — USB-C, PCIe 4.0, M.2 NVMe (only via adapters).
3. Supported Memory: DDR3 and Its Limitations
Types of Memory
- DDR3-1333/1600 (maximum 32 GB, dual-channel mode).
- Modern DDR4/DDR5 standards are not supported.
Recommendations
- Use two 8 GB sticks (for example, Kingston HyperX 1600 MHz) for dual-channel mode.
- Avoid memory with high latency (CL9 is better than CL11).
2025 Issue: DDR3 prices are rising due to discontinuation. A 16 GB DDR3-1600 kit costs ~$45, while 16 GB DDR4-3200 is $35.
4. Power Supply: Modest Appetite
Power Calculation
- CPU TDP: 84 W.
- With a discrete graphics card (e.g., GTX 1650, 75 W), a PSU of 400-500 W is sufficient.
- For high-end GPUs (RTX 4070), a minimum of 650 W is required, but the i7-4770 will become a bottleneck.
Recommended Models
- EVGA 500 BR (500 W, 80+ Bronze) — $55.
- Be Quiet! System Power 10 (450 W) — $60.
Advice: Don’t skimp on the PSU for an old platform — unstable power can damage components.
5. Pros and Cons: Why Is It Still Considered in 2025?
Pros
- Low cost on the second-hand market ($40-70).
- Sufficient performance for office tasks and older games.
- Reliability (when not overclocked).
Cons
- No support for Windows 11 without hacks.
- Limited performance in multi-threaded tasks (e.g., Blender, DaVinci Resolve).
- Outdated interfaces (PCIe 3.0, SATA III).
Example: A gamer attempted to run Cyberpunk 2077 on an i7-4770 + RTX 3060. Result: 25-35 FPS on low settings due to CPU load.
6. Use Cases: Where Is the i7-4770 Still Relevant?
- Office and Multimedia: Working with documents, browsing, 4K video (through GPU).
- Retro Gaming: Games up to 2018 (The Witcher 3 — 40-50 FPS on medium settings).
- Home Server: Hosting files, VPN, lightweight Docker containers.
Not suitable for:
- Modern games (Starfield, Alan Wake 2).
- 4K/60 FPS video editing.
- AI tasks (Stable Diffusion, LLM).
7. Comparison with Competitors: Budget Alternatives in 2025
- Intel Core i3-13100 ($120): 50% faster in single-threaded tasks, supports DDR5.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500 ($100): 6 cores/12 threads, PCIe 4.0.
- Used Intel Core i7-8700K ($90): 6 cores, compatible with DDR4.
Conclusion: Even used processors from Intel's 8-10 generations or Ryzen 3000 offer better performance for the same money.
8. Assembly Tips: How to Avoid Problems
1. SSD is Essential: Kingston A400 (240 GB) — $25. Without an SSD, the system will be slow.
2. Cooling: The standard cooler is sufficient, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4 — $5).
3. Upgrade: Don't invest in DDR3 — better to save memory for a future platform.
4. GPU: Choose graphics cards like GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600 to avoid imbalance.
9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the i7-4770 Suitable For in 2025?
This processor should only be considered in extreme cases:
- Budget up to $200 for the entire build (e.g., for parents or a child).
- Temporary solution before purchasing a modern PC.
- Retro computing enthusiasts building systems with old components.
Alternative: For $200-300, one can build a PC based on Ryzen 5 5600G with guarantees and support for modern technologies.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-4770 is a legend of its time, but by 2025, its time has passed. It is only suitable for niche tasks where savings are more important than performance. If the budget allows, it’s better to choose something from the current decade.