Intel Core i7-4771
Intel Core i7-4771: Review of an Obsolete Yet Still Relevant Processor for Budget Systems (2025)
April 2025
1. Key Specifications: Haswell Architecture and Its Legacy
The Intel Core i7-4771 processor, released in 2013, became part of Intel's fourth generation of Core processors (codename Haswell). Despite its age, it is still found in budget builds and systems for office tasks.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
- Manufacturing Process: 22 nm — by 2025 standards, this is an archaic standard (modern CPUs use 5–7 nm).
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Frequencies: Base clock — 3.5 GHz, maximum in Turbo Boost — 3.9 GHz.
- Cache: L3 — 8 MB, which is adequate for mid-level multi-threaded tasks.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 4600 — supports 4K displays via DisplayPort, but is weak for gaming or video editing (for example: in CS2 — 20–25 FPS on low settings).
Key Features:
- Support for AVX2 and FMA3 — useful for video encoding and scientific calculations.
- Power-saving technologies (although a TDP of 84 W is considered high today).
- Compatibility with Windows 10/11 and Linux (drivers are up to date).
2. Compatible Motherboards: Socket LGA 1150 and Chipsets
The processor uses the outdated LGA 1150 socket, which limits motherboard options.
Recommended Chipsets:
- H81/B85: Budget options for office PCs (no RAID support, limited number of SATA/USB ports). Example: ASUS H81M-K (price: $50–70, if you find new stock).
- Z87/Z97: For enthusiasts, supports overclocking (but the i7-4771 has a locked multiplier). Suitable for connecting multiple GPUs (for example, MSI Z97 Gaming 5, $100–120).
Selection Features:
- New motherboards are no longer produced — look for old stock or tested used ones.
- Check for UEFI BIOS support for compatibility with modern SSDs.
3. Supported Memory: Only DDR3
The i7-4771 works only with DDR3 (up to 32 GB, 1600 MHz). This is a key limitation in 2025:
- Modern DDR5-6400 is 3–4 times faster.
- For office tasks, 8–16 GB is sufficient, but for video editing, 32 GB is better.
Example Configuration:
- 2x8 GB Kingston HyperX DDR3-1600 ($45–60 for the kit).
4. Power Supply: Minimum 400 W
With a TDP of 84 W and no overclocking necessary, a PSU of 400–500 W is enough (with overhead for a discrete graphics card):
- For systems with a GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super, 450 W (Corsair CX450, $55) is adequate.
- Avoid cheap non-brand power supplies — they pose a risk to system stability.
5. Pros and Cons of the i7-4771 in 2025
Pros:
- Low price on the secondary market ($40–60 for the CPU).
- Adequate performance for basic tasks (web browsing, office work, 1080p video).
- Reliability — many units run for 10+ years.
Cons:
- No support for DDR4/PCIe 4.0/NVMe (only SATA SSDs).
- High power consumption compared to the Ryzen 5 5500 (TDP of 65 W).
- Weak upgrade path: replacing the CPU will require changing the motherboard and memory.
6. Usage Scenarios: Who is Haswell Relevant For?
- Office PCs: Document work, Zoom, browsing — perfect.
- Home Media Center: Streaming video, Netflix 4K (with HDMI 2.0 via an external graphics card).
- Light Gaming: Paired with a GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 3050 (1080p, medium settings).
- Servers: For NAS based on Linux (ECC memory support is absent, but is acceptable for home use).
Real Experience:
A user’s PC with an i7-4771 + GTX 1060 still runs GTA V on high settings (60 FPS), but struggles with Cyberpunk 2077 (25–30 FPS on low).
7. Comparison with Competitors
- AMD FX-8350: 8 cores, but worse IPC and TDP of 125 W. Loses in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single Core: 850).
- Intel Core i3-12100F: Newer, cheaper ($90), higher performance (Geekbench 6 Single Core: 1800), but only 4 cores without Hyper-Threading.
- Ryzen 5 5500: 6 cores/12 threads, supports DDR4/PCIe 4.0 ($120) — a clear favorite for budget builds.
Conclusion: The i7-4771 lags behind modern budget CPUs but excels in price on the secondhand market.
8. Assembly Tips
- SSD is essential: Samsung 870 EVO (SATA) will speed up the system.
- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient (e.g., Deepcool GAMMAXX 400, $25).
- Motherboard: Look for models with USB 3.0 and M.2 (via adapter).
- GPU: Do not install top-tier cards — the CPU will become a "bottleneck."
9. Final Conclusion: Who is i7-4771 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for:
1. Upgrading old PCs (if you already have an LGA 1150 motherboard and DDR3).
2. Budget builds with a limit of $200–300.
3. Enthusiasts building retro systems.
Why not? For new builds, it’s better to choose the Ryzen 5 5500 or Core i3-13100 — they are more energy-efficient, support modern standards, and come with a warranty.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-4771 in 2025 is an example of a "workhorse" that handles basic tasks but requires compromises. It should be considered only as a temporary solution or a way to save money, not as a foundation for future upgrades.