Intel Core i7-4790K
Intel Core i7-4790K: A Haswell Legend in 2025
Architecture, Compatibility, and Relevance in Today's Conditions
Key Features: The Legacy of Haswell
The Intel Core i7-4790K processor, released in 2014, remains an iconic choice for enthusiasts. Its Haswell architecture (22 nm process technology) includes 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. The base clock speed is 4.0 GHz, with Turbo Boost up to 4.4 GHz, which was groundbreaking for its time. The L3 cache size is 8 MB, and the integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics allowed for running less demanding games and handling multimedia without a discrete graphics card.
Key Features:
- High clock speed "out of the box."
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking (up to 4.8–5.0 GHz with good cooling).
- Support for AVX2 and TSX-NI technologies, which accelerated workloads.
Performance in 2025:
According to Geekbench 6, the i7-4790K scores 1370 points in single-threaded tests and 4372 in multi-threaded tests. This performance is comparable to current budget CPUs, such as the Intel Core i3-12100 (single-threaded ~1800), but its multi-threaded performance falls short even compared to the Ryzen 5 5500 (~6000).
Compatible Motherboards: A Hunt for Rarities
The processor uses the LGA 1150 socket, which has long been discontinued. Current chipsets include:
- Z97 — for overclocking (e.g., ASUS Z97-A).
- H97 — basic functions without overclocking.
- B85 — a budget option for office tasks.
Selection Tips:
- On the secondary market (eBay, local platforms), motherboards range from $50 to $150.
- Check the condition of the VRM modules — they are critical for stability during overclocking.
- Look for models with USB 3.0 and SATA 6 Gb/s — this simplifies the use of modern drives.
A practical example: a user on the Overclockers.ru forum built a system on the MSI Z97 Gaming 5 with the i7-4790K overclocked to 4.7 GHz, achieving +15% performance in games.
Supported Memory: DDR3 and Its Limitations
The i7-4790K only works with DDR3 (up to 32 GB in dual-channel mode). The maximum frequency is 1600 MHz (without overclocking), but many motherboards support XMP profiles up to 2400 MHz.
Problems in 2025:
- DDR3 lags behind DDR4/DDR5 in speed and energy efficiency.
- Latencies (CL) are higher, impacting performance in latency-sensitive games and tasks.
Recommendation: Use memory with a frequency of 1866–2133 MHz (e.g., Kingston HyperX Fury) for an optimal balance of price and performance.
Power Supply: Minimalism with Headroom
With a TDP of 88 W (and up to 120 W when overclocked), the processor does not require a powerful PSU. However, considering the discrete graphics card:
- For systems with GTX 1660 Super or RX 6600, a 500 W PSU will suffice (e.g., Corsair CX550M, $65).
- For high-end GPUs (RTX 3080 and above), a PSU of at least 750 W is required, but such an upgrade is pointless due to the narrow PCIe 3.0 x16.
Important: Older PSUs can degrade. Choose models with an 80+ Bronze certification and overload protection.
Pros and Cons: Who Is It Suitable For in 2025?
Pros:
- Availability in the secondary market ($80–120 compared to $200 for a new i3-12100).
- Good performance in older games (e.g., The Witcher 3 on high settings).
- Ease of upgrading old PCs (if a compatible motherboard is available).
Cons:
- No support for PCIe 4.0, DDR4, or USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- Outdated instructions (no AVX-512, limited AI acceleration support).
- Higher power consumption compared to modern counterparts.
Use Cases: Where It Is Still Relevant?
1. Office and Multimedia: Watching 4K video, working with documents, and browsing with 10+ tabs.
2. Retro Gaming: Running games from the 2010s (Skyrim, GTA V) at medium settings (60 FPS with GTX 1060).
3. Server Tasks: Home NAS or media server thanks to low system costs.
Example: A Twitch streamer uses the i7-4790K with NVIDIA NVENC encoding for 720p streams without lag.
Comparison with Competitors: A Battle of Generations
- AMD FX-9590 (2013): 8 cores, but low IPC. In games, the i7-4790K is 30–40% faster.
- Intel Core i5-10400 (2020): 6 cores/12 threads, DDR4 support. Multi-threaded performance is 50% higher.
- Ryzen 5 5500 (2022): 6 cores/12 threads, PCIe 4.0. The best choice for budget builds ($120 new).
Conclusion: The i7-4790K falls behind modern budget CPUs but has a competitive edge in second-hand prices.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Cooling: Even when overclocked, a tower cooler will suffice (Deepcool Gammaxx 400, $25).
2. Storage: Always use an SSD (SATA or NVMe via a PCIe adapter) — this reduces CPU load.
3. Graphics Card: Avoid models more expensive than the RTX 3060 — the processor will become a "bottleneck."
4. Check BIOS: Update the motherboard firmware for compatibility with large SSDs.
Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the i7-4790K in 2025?
This processor is suitable for:
- Enthusiasts building retro PCs.
- Owners of old systems on LGA 1150 wanting to extend the life of their hardware.
- Budget users who need enough power for basic tasks.
Why not consider it for new builds? Even inexpensive modern processors (e.g., Ryzen 5 5500) offer DDR4 support, PCIe 4.0, and better IPC. However, if you want to save money and are not chasing ultra-settings, the i7-4790K can still surprise you!
Prices are listed for new devices as of April 2025. The i7-4790K is no longer in production and is only available on the secondary market.