Intel Core i5-7600 vs Intel Core i7-4790

The Intel Core i7-4790, introduced in the second quarter of 2014, was a powerful desktop processor aimed at enthusiasts and power users of its time.

It offered high computing power for demanding applications and games. Manufactured using the 22 nm process on the Haswell S architecture, this processor features 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. It is equipped with 8 MB of Level 3 Cache and uses PCIe 3.0. The maximum memory bandwidth is 26 GB/s.

The integrated graphics solution is the Intel HD Graphics 4600. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i7-4790 shows a noticeable advantage over the Intel Core i5-7600 in certain benchmarks.

Multi-core performance is comparable in some benchmarks, with the Intel Core i7-4790 providing measurable performance in other tests where no data is available for the Intel Core i5-7600. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i7-4790 benefits from its 8 threads, which can be advantageous in modern, multi-thread-optimized games.

The Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 84W, indicating higher energy consumption compared to the newer model. In the used market, the Intel Core i7-4790 offers a solid option for upgrading older systems that benefit from more threads. The Intel Core i5-7600, introduced in the first quarter of 2017, was a popular mainstream processor that offered a good balance of performance and efficiency for everyday tasks, productivity, and gaming.

This processor is based on the Kaby Lake S architecture and is manufactured using the more efficient 14 nm process. It features 4 cores and 4 threads (without Hyper-Threading). The Level 3 Cache is 6 MB, and it also supports PCIe 3.0. The maximum memory bandwidth is 38 GB/s, higher than the comparison model.

The integrated graphics solution is the Intel HD Graphics 630. The single-core performance of the Intel Core i5-7600 is slightly lower in some benchmarks, while multi-core performance is comparable, provided comparative data is available. In gaming, the Intel Core i5-7600 can deliver good performance in many games thanks to its newer architecture and the associated higher instructions per cycle (IPC), especially where the core count is less critical than clock frequency and IPC.

With a TDP of 65W, the Intel Core i5-7600 is more energy-efficient, leading to lower heat generation and potentially quieter cooling solutions. As a processor for the used market, the Intel Core i5-7600 offers a cost-effective way to improve the performance of older systems, especially when energy efficiency plays a role.

In summary, the Intel Core i7-4790 offers stronger performance in applications that benefit from Hyper-Threading and higher single-core performance in certain tests, while the Intel Core i5-7600 stands out with its newer architecture and better energy efficiency, making it a good choice for mainstream gaming and energy-conscious systems.

For systems requiring a maximum thread count for older workloads, the Intel Core i7-4790 is the better choice. For a more modern, efficient base with good gaming performance, the Intel Core i5-7600 is preferable.