Intel Core i5-4690S vs Intel Core i5-6600T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-6600T and Intel Core i5-4690S are both locked 4-core, 4-thread desktop processors, yet they represent different architectural eras and power targets. The data shows the i5-6600T, a Skylake part, wins 7 of 8 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, while the older Haswell-based i5-4690S claims only a single victory in Geekbench multi-core. The i5-6600T edges ahead in most rendering and single-threaded tests, but the i5-4690S counters with a notable multi-core lead in Geekbench, making the choice dependent on workload. The i5-6600T is the superior pick for users prioritizing low power consumption, newer memory support, and slightly faster Cinebench scores, while the i5-4690S holds a specific advantage in Geekbench multi-core performance, albeit with significantly higher thermal design power.

The Verdict

The data paints a clear picture for most use cases: the Intel Core i5-6600T is the stronger overall performer, winning seven of the eight head-to-head benchmark matchups. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-6600T scores 4745 versus the i5-4690S’s 4609, a 3% lead. Single-core Cinebench R23 shows a similar pattern, with the i5-6600T at 669 and the i5-4690S at 650, a 2.9% advantage. The i5-6600T also wins in Cinebench R20 multi-core (1992 vs 1935, 2.9% ahead) and Cinebench R15 multi-core (478 vs 464, 3% ahead). These consistent wins across the Cinebench suite suggest the Skylake architecture’s efficiency translates into better sustained rendering performance, despite the i5-4690S having higher base and boost clocks (3.20/3.90 GHz vs 2.70/3.50 GHz).

However, the i5-4690S strikes back in Geekbench multi-core, scoring 3251 against the i5-6600T’s 3104, a 4.5% margin. This is a substantial reversal and indicates that in certain multi-threaded workloads, the older Haswell chip can outperform the newer one. The i5-6600T still wins the Geekbench single-core test, but only by 0.8% (1172 vs 1163). For buyers, this means the i5-6600T is the default recommendation for most tasks, especially those relying on Cinebench-style rendering or power-sensitive builds, given its 35W TDP versus the 65W TDP of the i5-4690S. The i5-4690S is only preferable if the specific workload aligns with its Geekbench multi-core strength, but the 4.5% win there is offset by losses elsewhere.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing processes. The i5-6600T is built on the Skylake architecture using a 14 nm process node, while the i5-4690S is Haswell on a 22 nm node. This process shrink is a key differentiator, contributing to the i5-6600T’s lower 35W TDP compared to the i5-4690S’s 65W TDP. The i5-4690S has a larger transistor count (1,400 million) compared to the i5-6600T, though both share the same die size of 177 mm². Cache configurations are identical: both have 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3.

The memory support marks a significant split. The i5-6600T supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the i5-4690S is limited to DDR3. This gives the newer chip a path to newer memory technology. Consequently, the i5-6600T’s memory bandwidth is listed at 34.1 GB/s, notably higher than the i5-4690S’s 25.6 GB/s. Both use dual-channel memory buses and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics also differ: the i5-6600T features UHD Graphics 530, while the i5-4690S has Intel HD 4600. The sockets are incompatible, with the i5-6600T using Intel Socket 1151 and the i5-4690S using Intel Socket 1150. Both processors lack unlocked multipliers, meaning overclocking is not supported according to the data.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher base clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i5-4690S has a higher base clock of 3.20 GHz, compared to the Intel Core i5-6600T’s 2.70 GHz. The boost clocks follow the same pattern, with the i5-4690S reaching 3.90 GHz versus the i5-6600T’s 3.50 GHz.

Q: Does the newer i5-6600T support DDR4 memory?

A: Yes, the i5-6600T supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the i5-4690S only supports DDR3. This gives the i5-6600T a memory bandwidth advantage of 34.1 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s for the i5-4690S.

Q: Which CPU wins in Geekbench multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-4690S wins the Geekbench multi-core test with a score of 3251, which is 4.5% higher than the i5-6600T’s score of 3104. This is the only benchmark in the head-to-head data where the i5-4690S comes out ahead.

Q: How do the TDP ratings compare between the two?

A: The i5-6600T has a TDP of 35W, which is significantly lower than the i5-4690S’s 65W. This suggests the i5-6600T is designed for more power-efficient systems, potentially generating less heat.

Q: Are the two processors compatible with the same motherboard socket?

A: No, they use different sockets. The i5-6600T requires an Intel Socket 1151 motherboard, while the i5-4690S uses the older Intel Socket 1150. They are not interchangeable.

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

A: The i5-6600T has an average benchmark score of 1563, while the i5-4690S scores 1551. This represents a difference of 0.8%, and both fall in the 39th percentile compared to all CPUs.

Specification Differences

The following table highlights the key specification differences between the two processors, based solely on the data provided.

| Specification | Intel Core i5-6600T | Intel Core i5-4690S |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| TDP | 35W | 65W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | Intel Socket 1150 |

| Architecture | Skylake | Haswell |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 22 nm |

| Transistors | Not specified | 1,400 million |

| Memory Support | DDR3, DDR4 | DDR3 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 34.1 GB/s | 25.6 GB/s |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 530 | Intel HD 4600 |

| Release Date | 2015-07-01 | 2014-04-30 |

| Launch MSRP | $213 | $224 |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data reveals a dominant performance by the i5-6600T, with the exception of one test. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-6600T scores 478 against the i5-4690S’s 464, a 3% win. The Cinebench R15 single-core test shows a similar 3.1% margin, with scores of 67 and 65, respectively. Moving to Cinebench R20, the i5-6600T maintains its edge, scoring 1992 in multi-core (2.9% ahead of 1935) and 280 in single-core (2.6% ahead of 273). The Cinebench R23 results continue the trend, with the i5-6600T winning multi-core 4745 to 4609 (3% delta) and single-core 669 to 650 (2.9% delta).

Geekbench results tell a more complex story. In Geekbench single-core, the i5-6600T wins narrowly, 1172 to 1163, a 0.8% margin. However, in Geekbench multi-core, the i5-4690S decisively wins, scoring 3251 versus 3104, a 4.5% difference. This is the largest delta in any test and the only one where the i5-4690S emerges victorious. This anomaly suggests that while the i5-6600T generally benefits from its architecture, the i5-4690S has a specific strength in certain Geekbench multi-threaded workloads that the i5-6600T cannot match.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-6600T is the clear winner in rendering-oriented benchmarks. It takes all six Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests, with margins ranging from 2.6% to 3.1%. These wins, combined with its 35W TDP, position it as the better choice for users who run CPU-intensive rendering tasks, such as video encoding or 3D modeling, where lower power consumption is also a priority. Its support for DDR4 memory and higher memory bandwidth (34.1 GB/s) further strengthens its case for modern system builds.

The Intel Core i5-4690S wins only in Geekbench multi-core, with a 4.5% lead over the i5-6600T. This single victory is notable but isolated. For users whose primary software relies on Geekbench-style multi-threaded operations, the i5-4690S offers a tangible performance boost. However, this advantage comes at the cost of a 65W TDP, which is nearly double that of the i5-6600T, and it lacks DDR4 support. The i5-4690S also has a higher launch MSRP of $224 compared to the i5-6600T’s $213. Given that the i5-6600T wins seven out of eight benchmarks, the i5-4690S’s appeal is limited to niche workloads that specifically benefit from its Geekbench multi-core performance.