Intel Core i5-4670K vs Intel Core i5-4690K Comparison

The Intel Core i5-4690K and Intel Core i5-4670K are two nearly identical Haswell desktop processors, but the benchmark data separates them by a consistent, if modest, margin. The i5-4690K wins seven of eight head-to-head comparisons, while the i5-4670K claims a single narrow victory in one single-core test. This analysis walks through the numbers to show exactly where each chip excels and what the specifications reveal about their relationship.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i5-4690K holds a clear edge across the multi-core and most single-core workloads. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 486 against the i5-4670K’s 478, a 1.7% advantage. The R20 multi-core test shows 2027 versus 1995, a 1.6% lead. R23 multi-core repeats the pattern at 4828 versus 4751, again 1.6%. Geekbench multi-core gives the i5-4690K its largest win: 3789 versus 3700, a 2.4% gap. These are not transformative differences, but they are consistent across every multi-threaded benchmark in the pack.

Single-core results tell a slightly different story. The i5-4690K wins Cinebench R15 single-core 68 to 67 (1.5%), R20 single-core 286 to 281 (1.8%), and R23 single-core 681 to 670 (1.6%). However, the i5-4670K takes Geekbench single-core 1302 to 1292, a 0.8% margin in its favor. This is the only test where the older chip wins, and the margin is smaller than any of the i5-4690K’s victories. The overall win count stands at 7 for the i5-4690K and 1 for the i5-4670K.

Average benchmark scores reinforce the trend. The i5-4690K posts an average of 1682, while the i5-4670K averages 1656. That is a difference of roughly 1.6% across all tests combined. Both chips sit at the 40th percentile among all CPUs, meaning the performance gap does not change their overall standing in the broader market. The nearest rivals for the i5-4690K include the Intel Xeon D-1528 (avg 1677, delta 0.3%), the Intel Core i7-5850HQ (avg 1688, delta -0.3%), and the Intel Core i7-3770K (avg 1688, delta -0.3%). For the i5-4670K, the closest competitors are the Intel Xeon E-2124 (avg 1658, delta -0.1%), the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (avg 1653, delta 0.2%), and the Intel Core i7-4770HQ (avg 1660, delta -0.2%). The i5-4690K’s rivals are slightly stronger on average, but both chips occupy the same performance tier.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same fundamental design. They share the Haswell architecture, the Haswell codename, and the "Core i5 (Haswell)" generation label. The process node is identical at 22 nm, and both are fabricated by Intel. Transistor count matches exactly at 1,400 million, and die size is the same at 177 mm². The core configuration is also identical: 4 cores and 4 threads on each chip, with no hyper-threading.

The cache hierarchy shows no differences. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support is DDR3 with a dual-channel bus for both. Neither supports ECC memory. Integrated graphics are the same Intel HD 4600 on both parts. The multiplier is unlocked on both, making them equally suited for overclocking.

The key architectural differentiators are clock speed and a few specification fields. The i5-4690K has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The i5-4670K runs at 3.40 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost. That 100 MHz advantage at both base and boost explains the benchmark deltas. The i5-4690K also has a higher TDP at 88 watts versus 84 watts for the i5-4670K, reflecting the extra clock headroom. Memory bandwidth is listed as 25.6 GB/s for the i5-4690K, while the i5-4670K has no bandwidth figure in the data. PCIe support differs slightly: the i5-4690K lists "Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)" while the i5-4670K simply lists "Gen 3."

Where Each One Wins

The i5-4690K wins in every multi-threaded workload and in three of four single-threaded tests. Its biggest margin comes in Geekbench multi-core at 2.4%, followed by Cinebench R20 single-core at 1.8%. The pattern holds for R15 multi-core (1.7%), R20 multi-core (1.6%), R23 multi-core (1.6%), and R23 single-core (1.6%). The narrowest i5-4690K win is R15 single-core at 1.5%. For users running rendering workloads, multi-core Cinebench tests, or general multi-threaded applications, the i5-4690K is consistently ahead.

The i5-4670K’s only win is Geekbench single-core, where it scores 1302 versus 1292, a 0.8% margin. This is a single test with a small delta, and it does not offset the i5-4690K’s broader dominance. In practical terms, the i5-4670K offers a slight edge in one specific single-threaded workload, but the i5-4690K is faster in every other measured scenario.

Specification Differences

The two chips differ in exactly four specification fields. Base clock is 3.50 GHz on the i5-4690K versus 3.40 GHz on the i5-4670K. Boost clock is 3.90 GHz versus 3.80 GHz. TDP is 88 watts versus 84 watts. Memory bandwidth is listed as 25.6 GB/s for the i5-4690K, with no value for the i5-4670K. PCIe is listed as "Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)" for the i5-4690K and "Gen 3" for the i5-4670K. All other fields match: socket (Intel Socket 1150), cores (4), threads (4), architecture (Haswell), process node (22 nm), foundry (Intel), transistors (1,400 million), die size (177 mm²), cache (64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 6 MB shared L3), memory support (DDR3), memory bus (Dual-channel), ECC support (false), integrated graphics (Intel HD 4600), market segment (Desktop), and multiplier unlock (true). Production status differs: the i5-4690K is marked end-of-life, while the i5-4670K has no status listed. Release dates are 2014-06-01 for the i5-4690K and 2013-06-01 for the i5-4670K. The i5-4690K has a launch MSRP of $243; the i5-4670K has no launch MSRP in the data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

A: The Intel Core i5-4690K wins all four multi-core tests. It leads by 1.7% in Cinebench R15 multi-core (486 vs 478), 1.6% in R20 multi-core (2027 vs 1995), 1.6% in R23 multi-core (4828 vs 4751), and 2.4% in Geekbench multi-core (3789 vs 3700).

Q: Does the i5-4670K win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the i5-4670K wins Geekbench single-core with a score of 1302 versus 1292 for the i5-4690K, a 0.8% margin. This is its only victory in the eight head-to-head tests.

Q: What causes the performance difference between these two chips?

A: The i5-4690K has a higher base clock (3.50 GHz vs 3.40 GHz) and boost clock (3.90 GHz vs 3.80 GHz). The architecture, cores, threads, cache, and process node are identical between the two.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, both the i5-4690K and i5-4670K have the multiplier unlocked, indicating they are both "K" series parts designed for overclocking.

Q: How do these chips compare to their nearest rivals?

A: The i5-4690K’s average score of 1682 places it 0.3% above the Intel Xeon D-1528 (1677) and 0.3% below the Intel Core i7-5850HQ (1688) and Intel Core i7-3770K (1688). The i5-4670K’s average of 1656 is 0.1% below the Intel Xeon E-2124 (1658) and 0.2% above the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (1653).

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i5-4690K has a TDP of 88 watts, while the i5-4670K is rated at 84 watts. The 4-watt difference reflects the higher clock speeds of the i5-4690K.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward conclusion: the Intel Core i5-4690K is the better performer in nearly every scenario. It wins seven of eight benchmarks, with margins ranging from 1.5% to 2.4%. The largest gap is in Geekbench multi-core, where it leads by 2.4%, and it maintains at least a 1.5% edge in all other winning tests. The only loss is a 0.8% deficit in Geekbench single-core, a negligible difference in a single workload.

For users prioritizing multi-threaded workloads like Cinebench rendering, the i5-4690K is the clear pick. Its 100 MHz advantage in both base and boost clocks translates directly into higher scores across R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. Even in single-core performance, it wins three of four tests. The i5-4670K’s sole victory in Geekbench single-core is too small to recommend it for any specific use case.

The specification sheet reinforces this. Both chips share identical architecture, cache, and process node, so the only meaningful differences are clocks, TDP, and memory bandwidth. The i5-4690K’s higher clocks and 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth give it a structural advantage, while the 4-watt TDP increase is a minor trade-off. The i5-4670K is a slightly slower version of the same design. Buyers choosing between the two should pick the i5-4690K unless the small single-core win in Geekbench is somehow critical, which the data does not support. The i5-4690K is the superior chip by a consistent, measurable margin.