Intel Core i7-4790 vs Intel Core i5-9500

The Intel Core i7-4790 (Haswell S), introduced in the second quarter of 2014, targeted demanding users.

The Intel Core i5-9500 (Coffee Lake S Refresh), released in the second quarter of 2019, targets mainstream users with a focus on balanced performance.

The Intel Core i7-4790 is manufactured in 22 nm, offering 4 cores and 8 threads. The Intel Core i5-9500 in 14 nm features 6 cores and 6 threads. Finer manufacturing and a higher core count of the Intel Core i5-9500 are advancements. In benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-9500 shows higher single-core performance and also surpasses the Intel Core i7-4790 in multi-core performance.

Its newer architecture delivers noticeably better performance per clock cycle. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-9500 is clearly superior. Higher single-core performance and modern architecture enable better frame rates. The Intel Core i7-4790 cannot keep up here. Both use PCIe Version 3.0.

The Intel Core i7-4790 has a TDP of 84 watts. The Intel Core i5-9500, at 65 watts, is more energy-efficient. This leads to lower temperatures and reduced cooling requirements for it. On the used market, the Intel Core i7-4790 is a budget-friendly upgrade for older Haswell systems.

The Intel Core i5-9500 is more expensive but offers better value for money due to higher overall performance. The Intel Core i7-4790 is suitable for basic tasks or budget upgrades. The Intel Core i5-9500 is the better choice for gaming, productivity, and lighter content creation. Architecture and efficiency are clear advantages.