Intel Core i5-4670K vs Intel Core i7-6700TE Comparison

The Intel Core i7-6700TE and Intel Core i5-4670K represent two distinct approaches to desktop processing from different eras. The i7-6700TE is a low-power Skylake part with hyper-threading, while the i5-4670K is a higher-clocked Haswell chip with an unlocked multiplier. Benchmark data shows a clear split: the i7-6700TE dominates Cinebench workloads, while the i5-4670K takes Geekbench. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, differing by only 0.6%, placing both firmly in the 40th percentile of all CPUs. The following analysis breaks down their architectural differences, head-to-head results, and use-case advantages based strictly on the provided data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-6700TE has an average benchmark score of 1666, while the Intel Core i5-4670K scores 1656. This puts the i7-6700TE just 0.6% ahead of the i5-4670K, which is listed as a nearest rival.

Q: How do the two chips compare in multi-threaded Cinebench R23 performance?

A: The i7-6700TE scores 5273 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, compared to 4751 for the i5-4670K. This represents an 11% advantage for the i7-6700TE in that specific test.

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

A: Yes, the i5-4670K wins both Geekbench tests. It scores 3700 versus 3154 in Geekbench multi-core (a 14.8% lead) and 1302 versus 1028 in Geekbench single-core (a 21% lead).

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The i7-6700TE has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i5-4670K has 4 cores and 4 threads. The i7-6700TE's hyper-threading is a key differentiator.

Q: Which processor has a lower thermal design power (TDP)?

A: The i7-6700TE has a TDP of 35 watts, which is significantly lower than the i5-4670K's 84 watts. This indicates a much lower power envelope for the i7-6700TE.

Q: Do these processors use the same motherboard socket?

A: No. The i7-6700TE uses the Intel Socket 1151, while the i5-4670K uses the Intel Socket 1150. They are not interchangeable.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is substantial, reflecting their different generations and design goals. The i7-6700TE is built on the Skylake architecture using a 14 nm process node from Intel. In contrast, the i5-4670K is a Haswell design fabricated on a 22 nm process. This process shrink is a primary factor in the i7-6700TE's dramatically lower TDP of 35 watts versus 84 watts for the i5-4670K.

Both chips feature 4 physical cores, but the i7-6700TE doubles the thread count to 8 via hyper-threading, while the i5-4670K is limited to 4 threads. Cache configurations also differ: the i7-6700TE offers 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-4670K provides 6 MB. Per-core L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB, respectively. The i5-4670K has a transistor count of 1,400 million and a die size of 177 mm², while those figures are not listed for the i7-6700TE.

Memory support is another clear division. The i7-6700TE supports DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s. The i5-4670K supports DDR3 memory with a dual-channel bus, but its memory bandwidth is not provided in the data. Integrated graphics also differ, with the i7-6700TE featuring HD Graphics 530 and the i5-4670K using Intel HD 4600. The i7-6700TE has an unlocked multiplier set to false, meaning it cannot be overclocked via that method, while the i5-4670K has multiplierUnlocked set to true, indicating overclocking capability. Both support PCIe Gen 3, though the i7-6700TE lists 16 lanes (CPU only) while the i5-4670K simply lists Gen 3.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results present a fascinating split between the two processors. The i7-6700TE wins 6 of the 8 benchmark comparisons, while the i5-4670K takes the remaining 2. In Cinebench tests, the i7-6700TE consistently leads by around 11%. Specifically, it scores 531 versus 478 in Cinebench R15 multi-core (11.1% ahead), 74 versus 67 in R15 single-core (10.4% ahead), 2214 versus 1995 in R20 multi-core (11% ahead), 312 versus 281 in R20 single-core (11% ahead), 5273 versus 4751 in R23 multi-core (11% ahead), and 744 versus 670 in R23 single-core (11% ahead). These consistent margins suggest that the i7-6700TE's hyper-threading and newer architecture provide a uniform advantage in Cinebench's rendering workloads.

The i5-4670K fights back decisively in Geekbench. It wins Geekbench multi-core with a score of 3700 against 3154 for the i7-6700TE, a margin of 14.8%. The gap widens further in Geekbench single-core, where the i5-4670K scores 1302 versus 1028, a 21% advantage. These results indicate that the i5-4670K's higher base clock of 3.40 GHz and boost clock of 3.80 GHz, compared to 2.40 GHz and 3.40 GHz for the i7-6700TE, are particularly beneficial in Geekbench's workload patterns. The i5-4670K's raw clock speed advantage appears to outweigh the i7-6700TE's architectural and thread count benefits in this specific benchmark suite.

Specification Differences

Several specifications clearly separate these two processors. The most obvious is the process node: the i7-6700TE uses a 14 nm node, while the i5-4670K uses 22 nm. This contributes to a massive TDP difference, with the i7-6700TE rated at 35 watts and the i5-4670K at 84 watts. Clock speeds also differ, with the i7-6700TE running at 2.40 GHz base and 3.40 GHz boost, while the i5-4670K runs at 3.40 GHz base and 3.80 GHz boost. The i7-6700TE has 8 threads versus 4 threads for the i5-4670K.

Memory support differs fundamentally: the i7-6700TE supports DDR4 with a listed memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s, while the i5-4670K supports DDR3 with no bandwidth figure provided. The L3 cache is larger on the i7-6700TE at 8 MB shared, compared to 6 MB shared on the i5-4670K. The i7-6700TE uses Socket 1151, while the i5-4670K uses Socket 1150. Integrated graphics are HD Graphics 530 for the i7-6700TE and Intel HD 4600 for the i5-4670K. The i5-4670K has an unlocked multiplier, but the i7-6700TE does not. Release dates place the i7-6700TE in 2015 and the i5-4670K in 2013. The i7-6700TE is listed as Active in production status, while the i5-4670K has no production status listed. Finally, the i5-4670K has specified transistor and die size figures (1,400 million and 177 mm²), while the i7-6700TE lacks those data points.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-6700TE is the clear winner in Cinebench workloads. Across all six Cinebench tests (R15, R20, and R23, both single and multi-core), it maintains a consistent 10.4% to 11.1% lead over the i5-4670K. This makes it the better choice for rendering, 3D modeling, and other tasks that rely heavily on multi-threaded CPU performance. Its 8 threads, larger 8 MB L3 cache, and newer Skylake architecture contribute to this sustained advantage. Additionally, its 35-watt TDP makes it vastly more power-efficient, which is critical for compact or thermally constrained systems.

The i5-4670K wins in Geekbench, with a 14.8% lead in multi-core and a 21% lead in single-core. This suggests that for applications with lighter thread counts that are sensitive to raw clock speed, the i5-4670K's higher base and boost clocks provide a tangible benefit. Its unlocked multiplier also offers overclocking headroom, which could extend its performance lead in scenarios where the user manually increases clock speeds. The i5-4670K is therefore preferable for workloads like older games or lightly threaded productivity software where single-thread speed is paramount.

In terms of general compatibility, the i7-6700TE's support for DDR4 memory and its newer socket (1151) make it a more modern platform choice. The i5-4670K's DDR3 and Socket 1150 reflect its older Haswell generation. The data shows that the i7-6700TE is the better all-round performer in rendering tasks, while the i5-4670K excels in Geekbench's specific test conditions. Users prioritizing power efficiency and multi-threaded rendering should choose the i7-6700TE; those prioritizing single-thread speed and overclocking should choose the i5-4670K.