Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Core i7-6700

The Intel Core i5-4690K, introduced in mid-2014, targeted mainstream users and enthusiasts seeking overclocking possibilities through its unlocked multiplier.

It is based on the architecture codenamed Devils Canyon S. The Intel Core i7-6700, introduced in mid-2015, aimed at a broader spectrum of users, from mainstream to more demanding users who required balanced performance and efficiency.

It belongs to the Skylake S architecture. The Intel Core i5-4690K was manufactured using the 22 nm process and features 4 physical cores without Hyper-Threading, thus 4 threads. It is equipped with a 6 MB Level 3 Cache and offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. The Intel Core i7-6700, on the other hand, was manufactured using the more modern 14 nm process.

It also has 4 physical cores but supports Intel Hyper-Threading, which allows it to process 8 threads. Its Level 3 Cache is larger at 8 MB, and the maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s. Both CPUs support PCIe Version 3.0. In benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-4690K shows solid single-core performance. The Intel Core i7-6700 achieves comparable values in single-core performance, with a slight advantage in some tests, which is due to its newer architecture.

In multi-core performance, the Intel Core i7-6700 has an advantage due to Hyper-Threading, as it can process more threads simultaneously. This is particularly noticeable in applications that benefit from a higher thread count. The Intel Core i7-6700 also shows visible performance in Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core.

For games that primarily benefit from high single-core performance, the Intel Core i5-4690K can be a good choice thanks to its overclockable multiplier, as the clock frequency can be manually increased. The Intel Core i7-6700, with its improved architecture and Hyper-Threading, offers slightly higher performance per clock cycle and is better equipped for modern games that increasingly utilize multi-threading.

Both feature an integrated graphics unit (Intel HD Graphics 4600 and Intel HD Graphics 530 respectively) which is suitable for basic tasks but not for demanding gaming. The Intel Core i5-4690K, manufactured using the 22 nm process, typically has higher power consumption. The Intel Core i7-6700 benefits from its finer 14 nm manufacturing process, which leads to better energy efficiency and generally lower thermal design power (TDP).

This can be advantageous in systems with limited cooling or in compact cases. Since both processors represent older generations, they are hardly available new anymore. Their value is primarily determined by the used market, where prices can vary widely. The price-performance ratio depends heavily on the individual offer and the condition of the respective processor, as well as the availability of suitable motherboards and RAM.

The Intel Core i5-4690K scores with its overclockability, which is attractive for enthusiasts and for boosting single-core performance. It was a strong gaming CPU at the time of its release. The Intel Core i7-6700, with its newer architecture and Hyper-Threading, offers an overall more modern foundation with better multi-thread performance and higher energy efficiency.

For general productivity and modern applications, the Intel Core i7-6700 is the more balanced choice. For gaming, especially if the system is to be overclocked, the Intel Core i5-4690K remains a worthwhile consideration.