Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i5-8500

The Intel Core i7-4790, based on the Haswell S architecture, was introduced in mid-2014 for mainstream desktop systems with a focus on productivity and light gaming.

This processor is manufactured using a 22 nm process and features 4 cores and 8 threads, complemented by 8 MB of Level 3 Cache and support for PCIe 3.0. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel HD Graphics 4600, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. In benchmarks, the Intel Core i7-4790 offers solid single-core performance for everyday applications and good multi-core performance for simultaneous tasks of its generation.

For gaming, it is sufficient for older titles but reaches its limits in modern, computationally intensive games due to its architecture and lower instructions per cycle. Power consumption is typical for the 22 nm manufacturing process of its time. On the used market, it represents a cost-effective option, especially since the entire associated platform is more affordable.

The Intel Core i5-8500, introduced in early 2018 under the Coffee Lake S architecture, targeted the mainstream desktop market for gaming and general computing tasks.

This processor is manufactured using the more efficient 14 nm process and offers 6 cores and 6 threads, along with 9 MB of Level 3 Cache and support for PCIe 3.0. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 630, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. Compared to the Intel Core i7-4790, the Intel Core i5-8500 shows higher single-core performance and noticeably better multi-core performance, making it more advantageous for demanding applications.

For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8500 is the better choice thanks to its newer architecture and higher instructions per cycle, especially for modern titles that benefit from a higher core count and efficiency. The more advanced 14 nm process also contributes to generally better energy efficiency.

On the used market, it offers strong value for money for systems intended to meet current requirements, although platform costs may be slightly higher.