Intel Core i7-4770 vs Intel Core i7-4790

The Intel Core i7-4770, introduced in Q2 2013, and the Intel Core i7-4790, which followed as a refresh in Q2 2014, are 4th generation desktop processors from Intel.

Both are based on the Haswell S architecture and were designed for demanding desktop applications and gaming of their time. Both CPUs are manufactured using the 22nm process and feature 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Intel Hyper-Threading. They are equipped with 8 MB of Level 3 Cache, support PCIe Version 3.0, and integrate Intel HD Graphics 4600.

The Intel Core i7-4790 shows a measurably higher single-core performance, which is due to its higher clock speeds. In multi-core applications, the performance advantage of the Intel Core i7-4790 over the Intel Core i7-4770 is present, but in some benchmarks, it is less than 10 percent, which does not represent a significant superiority for most multi-threaded applications.

In the gaming sector, the Intel Core i7-4790 offers a minimal advantage due to its higher clock frequency. This can become slightly noticeable in CPU-intensive games or with very powerful graphics cards, as many games benefit from high single-core performance. Both processors have an identical Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 84 Watts, indicating comparable energy consumption and similar cooling requirements.

The maximum memory bandwidth for the Intel Core i7-4770 is 21 GB/s, and for the Intel Core i7-4790, it is 26 GB/s. In the used market, the Intel Core i7-4770 could offer a better price-performance ratio with a significant price difference, as the performance difference in everyday use is often small.

The Intel Core i7-4770 is a cost-effective choice for existing Haswell systems. The Intel Core i7-4790 offers slightly improved single-core performance. When upgrading a Haswell system, the Intel Core i7-4790 is the better option if the price difference is small and the maximum clock frequency is desired.