Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i5-4590

The Intel Core i7-4790 and the Intel Core i5-4590 are Haswell S-architecture desktop processors from Intel, both manufactured using a 22nm process and introduced in 2014.

The Intel Core i7-4790 is aimed at demanding users, while the Intel Core i5-4590 targets the mainstream. Both support PCIe 3.0, offer 26 GB/s maximum memory bandwidth, and feature integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600. The Intel Core i7-4790 has four cores and eight threads thanks to Hyper-Threading, as well as 8 MB of Level 3 Cache.

The Intel Core i5-4590 also has four cores, but without Hyper-Threading (four threads) and only 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. In single-core performance, both are similar, with the Intel Core i7-4790 potentially having a slight advantage due to higher clock speeds. In multi-core performance, however, the Intel Core i7-4790 shows significantly over 10% higher performance.

This is due to Hyper-Threading and the larger L3 Cache, which makes it better suited for computationally intensive tasks. For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4790 often offers slight advantages due to its clock speeds, but the Intel Core i5-4590 is also capable, especially when the graphics card is the bottleneck.

Both processors have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 84 watts, which means similar cooling and power consumption requirements under full load. In the used market, the Intel Core i7-4790 is more expensive but offers better multi-core performance. The Intel Core i5-4590 represents the more cost-effective choice for general tasks.

For content creation and multitasking, the Intel Core i7-4790 is the better choice due to its superior multi-core performance. For general use, office work, and budget-conscious gaming, the Intel Core i5-4590 is a solid and economical option.