Intel Core i5-4670K vs Intel Core i7-8560U Comparison

The Intel Core i5-4670K and Intel Core i7-8560U come from different eras and serve different market segments, yet the recorded benchmark data places them in a surprisingly close overall performance tier. The i5-4670K is a desktop Haswell part from mid-2013, while the i7-8560U is a mobile Whiskey Lake processor from late 2018. Despite the generational gap, their average benchmark scores sit nearly level: the i5-4670K records 1656, and the i7-8560U records 1631. However, the head-to-head results show a clean sweep for the newer mobile chip across every Cinebench test in the database.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains six direct comparisons between these two CPUs, all from the Cinebench suite. The i7-8560U wins all six. The margins are consistent and narrow, ranging from 15.8% to 16.2% in favor of the mobile part.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-8560U scores 568 against the i5-4670K’s 478, a 15.8% advantage. The single-core result in R15 shows 80 for the i7-8560U and 67 for the i5-4670K, which translates to a 16.2% gap, the largest delta in the entire comparison. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core test has the i7-8560U at 2369 versus 1995 for the i5-4670K, again a 15.8% difference. The R20 single-core result is 334 versus 281, a 15.9% edge for the i7-8560U. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score for the i7-8560U is 5641, while the i5-4670K manages 4751, another 15.8% gap. The R23 single-core test closes the set with 796 against 670, once more a 15.8% margin.

The consistency across all six tests is striking. Every delta falls between 15.8% and 16.2%, suggesting the performance advantage is uniform rather than workload-specific. The i7-8560U leads by roughly the same proportion in both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. This indicates the newer architecture and higher boost clock deliver a broad uplift, not a niche one.

For context on where these chips sit globally, the i5-4670K holds a 40th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, while the i7-8560U sits just below at the 39th percentile. Their nearest rivals tell a similar story. The i5-4670K’s closest competitor is the Intel Xeon E-2124 with an average score of 1658, a 0.1% difference. The AMD Ryzen 5 3550H trails by 0.2%, and the Intel Core i7-4770HQ leads by 0.2%. On the i7-8560U side, the Intel Xeon E5-2623 v3 is essentially tied at 1630, a 0.1% gap, while the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G sits 0.6% higher and the Intel Core i3-9100T trails by 0.7%. These rival deltas are all within a single percentage point, meaning the two processors occupy the same neighborhood in the overall performance distribution, even though the head-to-head tests show a decisive winner.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i7-8560U wins with a score of 5641, beating the Intel Core i5-4670K’s 4751 by 15.8%.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap in Cinebench R15?

A: The i7-8560U scores 80, while the i5-4670K scores 67. That is a 16.2% lead for the i7-8560U, the largest single-core delta recorded in the head-to-head data.

Q: Do the two CPUs have the same core count?

A: Yes, both have 4 physical cores. However, the i5-4670K runs 4 threads, while the i7-8560U runs 8 threads due to Hyper-Threading support.

Q: What is the average benchmark score for each processor?

A: The i5-4670K has an average benchmark score of 1656, and the i7-8560U has an average score of 1631.

Q: Are the Cinebench win margins consistent across different versions?

A: Yes, the i7-8560U leads by 15.8% in R15 multi-core, R20 multi-core, R23 multi-core, and R23 single-core, by 15.9% in R20 single-core, and by 16.2% in R15 single-core.

Q: Which processor has a higher percentile ranking among all CPUs?

A: The i5-4670K ranks at the 40th percentile, while the i7-8560U ranks at the 39th percentile, a difference of one percentile point.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on different nodes and architectures. The i5-4670K uses the Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process, manufactured by Intel. The i7-8560U uses the Whiskey Lake architecture (codenamed Whiskey Lake-U) on a 14 nm process, also from Intel. The newer node is denser and more power-efficient, which contributes to the mobile part’s ability to achieve higher clocks within a much lower thermal envelope.

Core and thread counts differ. Both have 4 cores, but the i5-4670K supports 4 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading. The i7-8560U supports 8 threads, effectively doubling the thread count. This explains part of the multi-core advantage in the benchmark data, though the margin remains consistent with the single-core tests, suggesting clock speed and IPC improvements also play a role.

Cache hierarchies are similar in structure but differ in total L3 capacity. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core. The i5-4670K has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i7-8560U has 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger L3 on the newer chip likely helps with data reuse in multi-threaded workloads.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i5-4670K includes Intel HD 4600, while the i7-8560U includes UHD Graphics 620. The newer GPU is part of a more modern graphics architecture, though the database does not include graphics benchmarks for these parts.

Memory support changes between generations. The i5-4670K supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The i7-8560U supports both DDR3 and DDR4, also dual-channel, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-4670K has no memory bandwidth figure recorded in the database. Neither processor supports ECC memory.

The platform sockets are entirely different. The i5-4670K uses Intel Socket 1150, a desktop socket with an unlocked multiplier. The i7-8560U uses Intel BGA 1528, a soldered mobile package with a locked multiplier. The i5-4670K is marked as having an unlocked multiplier, meaning overclocking is possible on compatible motherboards, while the i7-8560U offers no such flexibility.

PCIe support is Gen 3 for both, but the i7-8560U’s listing specifies 16 lanes from the CPU only. The i5-4670K’s PCIe listing is simply “Gen 3” with no lane count provided.

Power characteristics differ dramatically. The i5-4670K has a TDP of 84 watts, reflecting its desktop design and higher sustained power draw. The i7-8560U has a TDP of 15 watts, a fraction of the desktop part’s budget. This makes the i7-8560U suitable for thin and light laptops, while the i5-4670K requires a substantial desktop cooler and power delivery.

Transistor counts and die sizes are only recorded for the i5-4670K: 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The i7-8560U has no transistor count or die size listed in the database.

Release dates are separated by over five years. The i5-4670K was released on June 1, 2013, while the i7-8560U was released on September 30, 2018. The i7-8560U is marked as end-of-life in terms of production status, while the i5-4670K has no production status recorded.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the recorded benchmark data, the Intel Core i7-8560U is the faster processor in every measured workload. It wins all six Cinebench comparisons with margins between 15.8% and 16.2%. The consistency of those margins, across single-core and multi-core tests, indicates the advantage is architectural and clock-driven rather than dependent on thread scaling.

That said, the overall performance tier is nearly identical. The average benchmark scores differ by only 25 points (1656 for the i5-4670K, 1631 for the i7-8560U), and their percentile rankings are adjacent at 40 and 39. The nearest rival data confirms this: both CPUs sit within 1% of a cluster of similar-performing parts. So while the head-to-head sweep is clear, the real-world difference between these two in aggregate workloads is small.

The choice between them depends on platform constraints, not raw performance. The i5-4670K is a desktop chip with an unlocked multiplier, 84 watts TDP, and support for DDR3 on Socket 1150. It is designed for users who want a fixed, upgradeable desktop system. The i7-8560U is a mobile chip with a locked multiplier, 15 watts TDP, and soldered onto BGA 1528. It cannot be overclocked and is not meant for desktop builds.

For users who already have a Socket 1150 motherboard and DDR3 memory, the i5-4670K remains functional, but the benchmark data shows it trails the i7-8560U in every Cinebench test. For users seeking the best recorded performance from these two specific parts, the i7-8560U is the winner on paper, despite its mobile pedigree and lower power envelope.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Threads: The i5-4670K has 4 threads; the i7-8560U has 8 threads.
• Base clock: The i5-4670K runs at 3.40 GHz; the i7-8560U runs at 1800.00 MHz (1.80 GHz).
• Boost clock: The i5-4670K boosts to 3.80 GHz; the i7-8560U boosts to 4.60 GHz.
• TDP: The i5-4670K is rated at 84 watts; the i7-8560U is rated at 15 watts.
• Socket: The i5-4670K uses Intel Socket 1150; the i7-8560U uses Intel BGA 1528.
• Architecture: The i5-4670K is Haswell; the i7-8560U is Whiskey Lake.
• Process node: The i5-4670K is 22 nm; the i7-8560U is 14 nm.
• L3 cache: The i5-4670K has 6 MB shared; the i7-8560U has 8 MB shared.
• Memory support: The i5-4670K supports DDR3; the i7-8560U supports DDR3 and DDR4.
• Memory bandwidth: The i7-8560U has a recorded bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s; the i5-4670K has no recorded value.
• Integrated graphics: The i5-4670K has Intel HD 4600; the i7-8560U has UHD Graphics 620.
• Multiplier unlocked: The i5-4670K has an unlocked multiplier; the i7-8560U does not.
• Release date: The i5-4670K was released in June 2013; the i7-8560U was released in September 2018.
• Production status: The i7-8560U is marked end-of-life; the i5-4670K has no status recorded.
• Transistor count: The i5-4670K has 1,400 million transistors; the i7-8560U has no recorded count.
• Die size: The i5-4670K is 177 mm²; the i7-8560U has no recorded size.

Fields that match include core count (4), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (false for both), PCIe generation (Gen 3), and manufacturer (Intel).

Where Each One Wins

The i7-8560U wins every benchmark category recorded in the head-to-head data. It leads in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both single-core and multi-core. Its highest relative margin is 16.2% in Cinebench R15 single-core, while its most common margin is 15.8%, appearing in four of the six tests. This makes it the clear choice for any workload represented by those benchmarks, including rendering, single-threaded productivity, and multi-threaded compilation tasks.

The i5-4670K does not win a single head-to-head benchmark in the database. However, it has attributes that the i7-8560U lacks. It has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable on compatible Socket 1150 motherboards. It also has a higher base clock (3.40 GHz versus 1.80 GHz), which can matter in sustained all-core workloads that prevent the mobile chip from sustaining its boost clock. Its 84 watt TDP means it can draw more power continuously, which some desktop workloads may benefit from if cooling is adequate.

The i7-8560U’s advantages extend beyond benchmark scores. It has a higher boost clock (4.60 GHz versus 3.80 GHz), more threads (8 versus 4), more L3 cache (8 MB versus 6 MB), lower power consumption (15 watts versus 84 watts), and broader memory support (DDR3 and DDR4 versus DDR3 only). It also records a specific memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, a figure not available for the i5-4670K.

In practical terms, the i7-8560U is the superior performer in the measured tests and offers better efficiency and newer features. The i5-4670K retains relevance only for users with an existing desktop platform who value overclocking and are not chasing the highest Cinebench scores. The data is unambiguous: six wins for the i7-8560U, zero for the i5-4670K, with all margins in the 15.8% to 16.2% range.