Intel Core i7-4790
Intel Core i7-4790 in 2025: Is it Worth Building a PC with This Processor?
An analysis of capabilities, compatibility, and use scenarios for the legendary CPU
Key Specifications: What Does the i7-4790 Offer in 2025?
The Intel Core i7-4790 processor, released in 2014, is still found in budget builds. Its key parameters are:
- Architecture: Haswell (4th generation Intel Core).
- Process Technology: 22 nm.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores / 8 threads.
- Base/Boost Frequency: 3.6 GHz / 4.0 GHz (Turbo Boost).
- Cache: 8 MB L3.
- TDP: 84 W.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 4600.
Key Features for 2025:
- High single-thread performance (Geekbench 6 Single Core: 1276) — sufficient for light tasks and older games.
- Hyper-Threading — parallel task processing.
- Support for AVX2 instructions, which is useful for some workloads.
However, the processor does not support PCIe 4.0/5.0, DDR4/DDR5, USB 3.2 Gen 2, or Thunderbolt, limiting its use in modern scenarios.
Compatible Motherboards: What to Look for in the Second-Hand Market?
The i7-4790 uses the LGA 1150 socket, compatible with chipsets:
- H81, B85 — budget options with basic functionality (2 RAM slots, limited overclocking).
- H87, Z87/Z97 — boards with RAID support, more SATA ports, and overclocking capability (for models with a "K" index).
Model Examples:
- ASUS Z97-A — high-end board with SLI/CrossFire support.
- Gigabyte B85M-D3H — compact option for office PCs.
Important in 2025:
- LGA 1150 boards are sold only used (average price: $30–$80).
- Check the condition of capacitors and ports before purchase.
Supported Memory: DDR3 and Its Limitations
The i7-4790 works only with DDR3:
- Frequencies: 1333 MHz / 1600 MHz (depending on the motherboard).
- Modes: dual-channel (recommended to use 2 or 4 modules).
Issues in 2025:
- DDR3 is outdated — new modules are no longer produced, with used prices starting at $10 for 8 GB.
- Maximum capacity: 32 GB (4×8 GB), but 16 GB suffices for most tasks.
Tip: If building a PC with this processor, choose memory with low timings (e.g., CL9) for a slight performance boost.
Power Supply: How Many Watts Do You Need?
With a TDP of 84 W and no extreme loads, the i7-4790 is not demanding on the PSU:
- Without a discrete graphics card: a 300–350 W PSU is sufficient.
- With a graphics card at the level of NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 580: opt for a PSU of 450–500 W.
Recommendations:
- Choose models with an 80+ Bronze certification (Corsair CX450, Seasonic S12III 500W).
- Avoid no-name PSUs — stability is more important than saving $10–$20.
Pros and Cons of the i7-4790 in 2025
Pros:
- Sufficient performance for office work, web browsing, and 1080p video.
- Low second-hand market price (used processor: $40–$60).
- Integrated graphics for emergencies (e.g., if the discrete card fails).
Cons:
- No NVMe support (only SATA SSD).
- Incompatibility with Windows 12 and new APIs (DirectX 13, Vulkan 2.0).
- Limited upgrade path: maximum upgrade is to i7-5775C (also outdated).
Use Scenarios: Where is the Processor Still Relevant?
1. Office Tasks: Working with documents, Zoom, browser with 10+ tabs.
2. Home Media Center: Streaming video (Netflix, YouTube), music, light editing in Shotcut.
3. Retro Gaming: Games up to 2018 (e.g., GTA V, CS:GO at medium settings).
4. Server Tasks: NAS, home web server based on Linux.
Real Experience: Users report that with an SSD and 16 GB of RAM, the system "flies" in everyday tasks but "struggles" with 4K rendering or running Cyberpunk 2077.
Comparison with Competitors
- AMD FX-8350 (2012):
- 8 cores but weaker in single-thread tasks (Geekbench 6 Single Core: ~800).
- Stronger in multi-threaded workloads but higher power consumption (125 W).
- Intel Core i3-10100 (2020):
- 4 cores / 8 threads, Geekbench 6 Single Core: ~1800.
- Supports DDR4, PCIe 3.0. New price: $120.
Conclusion: The i7-4790 falls short even against budget modern CPUs, but it serves as a temporary solution for $50.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Budget Build:
- CPU + motherboard + 16 GB DDR3: ~$100–$150.
- Add Kingston A400 480 GB SSD ($35) for speed.
2. Cooling:
- The BOX cooler is sufficient, but for quiet operation consider the Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 ($20).
3. Graphics Card:
- For gaming in 2025, it’s best not to install a GPU more expensive than the NVIDIA RTX 3050 (it will be a bottleneck).
4. OS:
- Windows 10 (support until 2025) or Linux (Ubuntu, Mint).
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the i7-4790?
This processor is worth considering if:
- Your budget is up to $200 for the entire build.
- You need a PC for basic tasks (office, movies, older games).
- You are ready for limitations in upgrades and compatibility.
Alternative for 2025: For $250–$300, you can build a system with AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (6 cores, DDR4, PCIe 4.0), which will remain relevant longer.
The i7-4790 is a "workhorse" for those who value reliability and do not chase after the latest innovations. But remember: it’s an investment in the past, not the future.