The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-performance desktop processor released in 2014 as part of Intel’s fourth-generation Core series, codenamed Haswell. This processor has been a popular choice among gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts due to its impressive performance, overclocking capabilities, and power efficiency. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Intel Core i7-4790K, exploring its architecture, features, and performance in various applications.
Architecture and Features
The Intel Core i7-4790K is based on the Haswell microarchitecture, which provides several improvements over its predecessor, Ivy Bridge. Some of the key features of the Haswell architecture include:
Improved Instruction Set Architecture
The Haswell architecture introduces several new instructions, including AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2), FMA3 (Fused Multiply-Add 3), and BMI1/BMI2 (Bit Manipulation Instructions 1 and 2). These instructions enhance the processor’s ability to perform complex mathematical calculations, making it more efficient for tasks like scientific simulations, data compression, and encryption.
Enhanced Graphics Processing
The Intel Core i7-4790K features Intel’s HD Graphics 4600, which provides improved graphics performance compared to the previous generation. The HD Graphics 4600 supports DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.0, and OpenCL 1.2, making it suitable for casual gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
Power Efficiency
The Haswell architecture is designed to be more power-efficient than its predecessors, with a focus on reducing power consumption while maintaining performance. The Intel Core i7-4790K has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 88W, which is relatively low compared to other high-performance processors.
Performance
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-performance processor that excels in various applications, including gaming, content creation, and scientific simulations.
Gaming Performance
The Intel Core i7-4790K is an excellent choice for gamers, offering high frame rates and smooth performance in demanding games. With its high clock speed and multiple cores, this processor can handle complex game engines and physics simulations with ease.
Content Creation Performance
The Intel Core i7-4790K is also well-suited for content creation tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and music production. Its multiple cores and high clock speed make it an excellent choice for applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, and Ableton Live.
Scientific Simulation Performance
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a popular choice among scientists and researchers due to its ability to perform complex simulations and calculations. Its support for AVX2 and FMA3 instructions makes it an excellent choice for applications like MATLAB, Mathematica, and COMSOL.
Overclocking Capabilities
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a popular choice among overclockers due to its unlocked multiplier and high clock speed. With the right cooling solution and motherboard, this processor can be overclocked to achieve even higher performance.
Overclocking Methods
There are several methods to overclock the Intel Core i7-4790K, including:
- Multiplier overclocking: This involves increasing the processor’s multiplier to achieve higher clock speeds.
- Base clock overclocking: This involves increasing the processor’s base clock to achieve higher clock speeds.
- Voltage overclocking: This involves increasing the processor’s voltage to achieve higher clock speeds.
Overclocking Tools
There are several tools available to overclock the Intel Core i7-4790K, including:
- Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU): This is a software tool provided by Intel to overclock and monitor the processor.
- ASUS AI Suite: This is a software tool provided by ASUS to overclock and monitor the processor.
- MSI Afterburner: This is a software tool provided by MSI to overclock and monitor the processor.
Comparison to Other Processors
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-performance processor that competes with other processors in its class.
Comparison to AMD Processors
The Intel Core i7-4790K competes with AMD’s FX-9590 and FX-8370 processors. While the FX-9590 offers higher clock speeds, the Intel Core i7-4790K offers better power efficiency and higher IPC (instructions per clock).
Comparison to Intel Processors
The Intel Core i7-4790K competes with other Intel processors like the Core i7-4770K and Core i5-4690K. While the Core i7-4770K offers similar performance, the Core i7-4790K offers higher clock speeds and better overclocking capabilities.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-performance processor that offers excellent performance, power efficiency, and overclocking capabilities. Its support for AVX2 and FMA3 instructions makes it an excellent choice for scientific simulations and content creation tasks. While it may not be the latest processor on the market, the Intel Core i7-4790K remains a popular choice among gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts due to its impressive performance and capabilities.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 4/8 |
| Base Clock Speed | 4.0 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 4.4 GHz |
| Cache Memory | 8 MB |
| TDP | 88W |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
In conclusion, the Intel Core i7-4790K is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance processor that offers excellent performance, power efficiency, and overclocking capabilities.
What is the Intel Core i7-4790K and what makes it unique?
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-performance desktop processor released in 2014 as part of Intel’s fourth-generation Core series, codenamed Haswell. It is a quad-core processor with a clock speed of 4.0 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4 GHz. What makes the i7-4790K unique is its unlocked multiplier, which allows users to easily overclock the processor for even better performance.
The i7-4790K also features Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which enables each core to handle two threads simultaneously, resulting in a total of eight threads. This makes it an excellent choice for applications that rely heavily on multi-threading, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. Additionally, the processor supports up to 32 GB of DDR3 memory and has a TDP of 88W.
What are the key performance features of the Intel Core i7-4790K?
The Intel Core i7-4790K boasts impressive performance features, including a high clock speed, large cache memory, and advanced instruction set extensions. The processor’s quad-core design and Hyper-Threading technology enable it to handle demanding workloads with ease, making it an excellent choice for applications such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. The i7-4790K also features Intel’s Turbo Boost technology, which allows the processor to dynamically adjust its clock speed to optimize performance and power efficiency.
In terms of specific performance metrics, the i7-4790K has a Cinebench R15 multi-threaded score of around 980 points, which is significantly higher than its predecessors. It also has a 3DMark Fire Strike score of around 12,000 points, indicating excellent gaming performance. Overall, the i7-4790K is a powerful processor that delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications.
How does the Intel Core i7-4790K compare to other processors in its class?
The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-end desktop processor that competes with other processors in the same class, such as the AMD FX-9590 and the Intel Core i7-4770K. Compared to the i7-4770K, the i7-4790K has a higher clock speed and a more efficient architecture, resulting in better performance and power efficiency. The i7-4790K also has a higher overclocking headroom than the i7-4770K, making it a better choice for enthusiasts who want to push their processor to the limit.
Compared to the AMD FX-9590, the i7-4790K has a lower clock speed but a more efficient architecture, resulting in better performance per watt. The i7-4790K also has a higher IPC (instructions per clock) than the FX-9590, which means it can execute more instructions per clock cycle. Overall, the i7-4790K is a strong competitor in its class, offering excellent performance, power efficiency, and overclocking headroom.
What are the power consumption and heat generation characteristics of the Intel Core i7-4790K?
The Intel Core i7-4790K has a TDP (thermal design power) of 88W, which is relatively high compared to other processors in its class. However, the processor’s power consumption can vary depending on the workload and the system configuration. Under heavy loads, the i7-4790K can consume up to 140W of power, while under light loads, it can consume as little as 40W.
In terms of heat generation, the i7-4790K can produce a significant amount of heat, especially when overclocked. The processor’s maximum temperature is around 100°C, and it requires a high-quality cooling system to keep it within safe operating temperatures. However, the i7-4790K also features Intel’s advanced thermal management technologies, such as Thermal Monitoring and Thermal Trip, which help to prevent overheating and ensure reliable operation.
What are the overclocking capabilities of the Intel Core i7-4790K?
The Intel Core i7-4790K is an unlocked processor, which means it can be easily overclocked using a variety of methods. The processor’s multiplier can be adjusted using software tools such as Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) or third-party tools such as CPU-Z. The i7-4790K also features a high overclocking headroom, with some users reporting clock speeds of up to 5.0 GHz or more.
However, overclocking the i7-4790K requires careful consideration of the system’s cooling capabilities, power supply, and motherboard. The processor’s power consumption and heat generation increase significantly when overclocked, and a high-quality cooling system is required to keep it within safe operating temperatures. Additionally, overclocking can also void the processor’s warranty, so users should carefully weigh the risks and benefits before attempting to overclock their processor.
What are the gaming performance characteristics of the Intel Core i7-4790K?
The Intel Core i7-4790K is an excellent processor for gaming, offering high clock speeds, large cache memory, and advanced instruction set extensions. The processor’s quad-core design and Hyper-Threading technology enable it to handle demanding games with ease, and its high overclocking headroom makes it a popular choice among gamers who want to push their system to the limit.
In terms of specific gaming performance metrics, the i7-4790K has a 3DMark Fire Strike score of around 12,000 points, which is significantly higher than its predecessors. It also has a high frame rate in popular games such as Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Battlefield 4, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want smooth and responsive gameplay. However, the i7-4790K’s gaming performance can also depend on the system’s graphics card, memory, and storage, so users should carefully consider these factors when building their gaming system.
Is the Intel Core i7-4790K still a viable option for modern systems?
The Intel Core i7-4790K is an older processor that was released in 2014, and it may not be the best choice for modern systems that require the latest features and technologies. However, the i7-4790K is still a powerful processor that offers excellent performance for demanding applications, and it can be a viable option for users who want a high-performance processor on a budget.
Additionally, the i7-4790K is still compatible with many modern motherboards and systems, and it can be easily overclocked to improve its performance. However, users should carefully consider the processor’s limitations, such as its lack of support for DDR4 memory and its relatively high power consumption. Overall, the i7-4790K can still be a good choice for users who want a high-performance processor for specific applications, but it may not be the best choice for modern systems that require the latest features and technologies.