Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i7-6700K

The Intel Core i7-4790K, codenamed Devils Canyon S, was introduced in the second quarter of 2014 and was aimed at demanding users.

Manufactured using the 22 nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB of Level 3 Cache, and supports PCIe Version 3.0. The maximum memory bandwidth is 26 GB/s, complemented by the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600. Its single-core performance is comparable to its successor, while its multi-core performance is slightly lower.

The Intel Core i7-6700K, based on the Skylake S architecture, was released in the third quarter of 2015.

This processor, also designed for enthusiasts, is manufactured using the more efficient 14 nm process and also has 4 cores and 8 threads. It offers 8 MB of Level 3 Cache, supports PCIe Version 3.0, and achieves a higher maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is included.

It shows noticeably higher multi-core performance and comparable single-core performance. In gaming scenarios, both processors offer good performance, with the Intel Core i7-6700K potentially having slight advantages in some titles due to its more modern architecture. Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i7-6700K offers potentially higher energy efficiency thanks to the 14 nm manufacturing process.

Both processors are older models; their price-performance ratio is determined in the secondary market for used components. The Intel Core i7-6700K is the better choice for a slightly more future-proof platform, while the Intel Core i7-4790K represents a cost-effective upgrade for existing systems.