Intel Core i7-4790K vs Apple M4

The Intel Core i7-4790K, with the architecture name "Devils Canyon S", was introduced in the second quarter of 2014 and was aimed at enthusiasts and gamers looking for high performance and overclocking capabilities on the desktop.

It is manufactured using the 22 nm manufacturing process and features 4 cores and 8 threads. This processor supports PCIe 3.0 and offers a maximum memory bandwidth of 26 GB/s. It is equipped with 8 MB of Level 3 Cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600. The thermal design power (TDP) is 88 watts.

In its era, it offered robust performance, but the integrated graphics solution is only suitable for basic applications, while a separate graphics card is required for demanding games. The Apple M4, based on the "M4" architecture, was introduced in May 2024 and is specifically designed for energy-efficient yet powerful applications in slim devices.

It is manufactured using an advanced 3 nm manufacturing process and utilizes an efficient combination of performance and efficiency cores. The Apple M4 stands out with a significantly higher maximum memory bandwidth of 120 GB/s and features 20 MB of Level 2 Cache. Its integrated graphics solution, the Apple M4 (10 Core), offers significantly higher graphics performance than older integrated solutions and is also suitable for more demanding graphics tasks and games.

Its thermal design power is considerably lower compared to the Intel processor, enabling excellent energy efficiency. Performance Comparison: In terms of raw computing power, the Apple M4 significantly surpasses the Intel Core i7-4790K in both single-core and multi-core performance.

This is due to significant advancements in process technology and architecture. Especially in modern applications that benefit from many cores, the M4 shows significantly higher performance. Gaming Scenarios: In the gaming sector, the Apple M4 offers a much better gaming experience thanks to its powerful integrated Apple M4 (10 Core) graphics solution.

While the Intel Core i7-4790K absolutely requires a dedicated graphics card for modern games, the Apple M4 can render more demanding titles more smoothly with its integrated graphics unit and is also optimized for graphics tasks. Power Consumption and TDP: The Apple M4 is extremely energy-efficient due to its 3 nm manufacturing process and ARM architecture.

Its thermal design power is many times lower than the 88 watts of the Intel Core i7-4790K. This results in significantly longer battery life in mobile devices and lower heat generation. Price-Performance Ratio and Market Prices: The Intel Core i7-4790K is an older processor that is only available on the used market.

From today's perspective, its price-performance ratio for pure CPU performance is low. The Apple M4 is available as part of an integrated system, such as the iPad Pro. Its price-performance ratio must be considered in the context of the entire device, but it offers excellent performance per watt and a modern platform.

Summary and Recommendation: The Apple M4 is superior to the Intel Core i7-4790K in all aspects, particularly in computing power, graphics performance, and energy efficiency. For users seeking a modern system with the highest energy efficiency, outstanding integrated graphics performance, and excellent single- and multi-core performance, the Apple M4 is the clear choice.

This applies especially to creative tasks, media editing, and mobile productivity. The Intel Core i7-4790K is only relevant for retro builds or as a cost-effective replacement for older systems.