Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i5-6400

The Intel Core i7-4790 is based on the Haswell S architecture and is manufactured using the 22-nanometer process.

As a high-end model of its generation, it is aimed at users who require high computing capacity. It features four cores and eight threads, which increases efficiency in parallel processes. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles image output without a dedicated card. In benchmarks, the processor achieves advantageous single-core performance and superior multi-core performance compared to the i5 model.

This primarily results from the higher clock speeds and the 8 MB Level 3 cache. In games, the Intel Core i7-4790 enables more stable frame rates in demanding scenarios through Hyper-Threading. The TDP is 84 watts, which is why a powerful cooler is advisable. For users who want to get the maximum capacity out of older platforms, it remains a solid choice.

The Intel Core i5-6400 uses the Skylake S architecture and is produced using the 14-nanometer process.

It is designed for the mass market and everyday office and multimedia tasks. With four cores and four threads, it offers a classic quad-core structure without virtual core doubling. The maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s ensures fast data exchange with the RAM. Although the architecture is newer, the pure computing power in benchmarks is measurably lower than that of the Intel Core i7-4790.

However, the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is technologically more advanced. In gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-6400 provides a decent foundation but limits in titles that utilize many threads. Thanks to a TDP of 65 watts, it works more energy-efficiently and stays cooler. It is recommended for price-conscious users who value a more modern platform.