Intel Core i5-4690K vs Intel Core i5-7600T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-4690K and Intel Core i5-7600T are both quad-core desktop chips, but they target different priorities: the 4690K is an unlocked, higher-clocked Haswell part, while the 7600T is a locked, low-power Kaby Lake chip. Benchmark data shows a clear split: the 7600T dominates Cinebench workloads, while the 4690K takes Geekbench. This guide breaks down where each processor excels and which one fits a specific build.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is the Geekbench multicore test, where the i5-4690K scores 3789 against the i5-7600T’s 3447. That is a 9.9% advantage for the older chip, the largest delta in the entire comparison. The single-core Geekbench result also favors the 4690K, with a score of 1292 versus 1246, a 3.7% lead. These are not marginal wins; they indicate that in this synthetic workload, the Haswell architecture’s higher base clock of 3.50 GHz (versus 2.80 GHz) provides a significant edge.

However, the Cinebench suite tells an entirely different story. The i5-7600T wins every single Cinebench test, from R15 to R23. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the 7600T scores 4968 points, while the 4690K manages 4828, a 2.8% difference. The single-core R23 result is similar: 701 for the 7600T versus 681 for the 4690K, a 2.9% gap. The pattern is consistent across R15, R20, and R23, with deltas hovering between 2.7% and 2.9%. The 7600T’s newer Kaby Lake architecture appears to extract more performance per clock in these rendering tasks, despite its lower boost clock of 3.70 GHz versus 3.90 GHz.

The overall score tally favors the 7600T with 6 wins out of 8 head-to-head benchmarks. Yet the two Geekbench losses are substantial, particularly the 9.9% multicore deficit. The average benchmark scores reflect this split: the 4690K averages 1682, while the 7600T averages 1664, placing them nearly identical in overall performance. The 4690K sits just 0.3% above the Intel Xeon D-1528 in its nearest rivals, while the 7600T is only 0.1% below the Intel Core i7-6700TE. Both chips land at the 40th percentile of all CPUs, meaning they are squarely mid-pack.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental split begins with the process node: the 4690K is built on Intel’s 22 nm Haswell architecture, while the 7600T uses the 14 nm Kaby Lake process. This node shrink allows the 7600T to achieve a dramatically lower TDP of 35 watts, compared to the 4690K’s 88 watts. That is a 53-watt difference, which makes the 7600T far more suitable for compact or passively cooled systems.

Clock speeds also differ notably. The 4690K has a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz. The 7600T runs lower at 2.80 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost. The 4690K also has an unlocked multiplier, enabling overclocking, whereas the 7600T is locked. This is a critical distinction for enthusiasts, as the 4690K can be pushed well beyond its stock boost clock with adequate cooling.

Memory support changes between generations. The 4690K uses DDR3 with a dual-channel bus and a peak bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The 7600T moves to DDR4, still dual-channel, but with a significantly higher bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. This 12.8 GB/s difference can impact memory-sensitive workloads, though Cinebench results suggest the 7600T’s advantage is modest in practice.

Both chips share the same cache configuration: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. They also both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics differ, with the 4690K featuring Intel HD 4600 and the 7600T sporting HD 630. The 7600T is also on a different socket (Intel Socket 1151) versus the 4690K’s Socket 1150, meaning they are not interchangeable in a motherboard.

The 4690K uses 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die, while the 7600T’s transistor count and die size are not listed in the data. The 4690K was released in June 2014 and is end-of-life, while the 7600T launched in January 2017 and remains active. The 4690K has a launch MSRP of $243, while no launch MSRP is available for the 7600T.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-7600T is the clear winner for Cinebench-style rendering workloads. Its 2.8% to 2.9% lead across all multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests suggests that Kaby Lake’s IPC improvements outweigh its lower clock speeds. For tasks like video rendering, 3D model generation, or any software that scales with Cinebench-like performance, the 7600T is the better choice. Its 35-watt TDP also makes it ideal for low-power builds, home theater PCs, or small form factor systems where heat and power draw are primary constraints.

The i5-4690K wins in Geekbench, which often reflects different optimization paths. The 9.9% multicore lead and 3.7% single-core lead indicate that the 4690K’s higher base clock (3.50 GHz) provides a real advantage in this benchmark. For users who prioritize Geekbench scores—often associated with general productivity, web browsing, and office applications—the 4690K is the stronger performer. Additionally, its unlocked multiplier means overclockers can push it further, potentially widening this gap in real-world use.

The 4690K also holds an edge in memory bandwidth efficiency relative to its era, though the 7600T’s DDR4 support offers higher theoretical bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. However, the benchmark data shows this does not translate into a win for the 7600T in Geekbench. The 4690K’s higher clock speeds appear to be the dominant factor in that specific workload.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i5-7600T scores 4968 points, beating the i5-4690K’s 4828 points by 2.8%.

Q: Does the i5-4690K win any benchmark?

A: Yes, it wins both Geekbench tests. It scores 3789 in multicore (9.9% ahead) and 1292 in single-core (3.7% ahead) versus the 7600T.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i5-4690K has a TDP of 88 watts, while the i5-7600T has a TDP of 35 watts. The 7600T uses 53 watts less.

Q: Can I overclock the i5-7600T?

A: No. The i5-7600T has a locked multiplier, while the i5-4690K has an unlocked multiplier, making it the only one of the two that supports overclocking.

Q: Which CPU supports DDR4 memory?

A: The Intel Core i5-7600T supports DDR4 with a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The i5-4690K uses DDR3 with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.

Q: Are these CPUs on the same socket?

A: No. The i5-4690K uses Intel Socket 1150, while the i5-7600T uses Intel Socket 1151. They are not interchangeable.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The base clock is 3.50 GHz for the 4690K versus 2.80 GHz for the 7600T. Boost clocks are 3.90 GHz and 3.70 GHz, respectively. TDP is a major differentiator: 88 watts for the 4690K and 35 watts for the 7600T. The 4690K is on Socket 1150, while the 7600T is on Socket 1151.

Process technology separates them: 22 nm for Haswell versus 14 nm for Kaby Lake. Memory support differs, with DDR3 on the 4690K and DDR4 on the 7600T. Memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s versus 38.4 GB/s. The integrated GPU is Intel HD 4600 on the 4690K and HD 630 on the 7600T.

The multiplier is unlocked on the 4690K but locked on the 7600T. Production status varies, with the 4690K marked end-of-life and the 7600T active. Release dates are June 2014 for the 4690K and January 2017 for the 7600T. The 4690K has a launch MSRP of $243, while the 7600T has no listed launch MSRP. Transistor count and die size are only listed for the 4690K (1,400 million transistors, 177 mm²), not for the 7600T. The 4690K’s part number is SR21A, while the 7600T’s is SR336.

The Verdict

The data presents a straightforward choice based on workload priorities. The i5-7600T is the superior processor for Cinebench-style rendering, winning all four multi-core and single-core iterations by a consistent 2.7% to 2.9% margin. Its 14 nm process and 35-watt TDP make it the obvious pick for energy-conscious builds, small form factor systems, or any scenario where heat output matters. The newer architecture also brings DDR4 support, which offers 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth—a 50% increase over the 4690K’s 25.6 GB/s.

The i5-4690K is the choice for Geekbench-focused workloads and for overclockers. Its 9.9% multicore and 3.7% single-core Geekbench wins are decisive, and the unlocked multiplier allows users to extract additional performance beyond its stock 3.90 GHz boost. For those already on Socket 1150 motherboards, it offers a drop-in upgrade path, though it is end-of-life status may make new purchases less appealing.

The average benchmark scores are nearly identical—1682 for the 4690K versus 1664 for the 7600T—placing both at the 40th percentile of all CPUs. Neither chip is a performance kingpin, but they serve different niches. If you value rendering performance and low power consumption, the i5-7600T is the better buy. If you prioritize Geekbench scores and overclocking headroom, the i5-4690K wins. The 7600T takes the overall benchmark tally 6 wins to 2, but the magnitude of the 4690K’s Geekbench victories means the choice is not clear-cut. Ultimately, the 7600T is the more modern, efficient option, while the 4690K remains a capable overclocking relic.