Intel Core i7-4790T vs Intel Core i7-980X Comparison

The Intel Core i7-4790T and the Intel Core i7-980X are both end-of-life desktop processors, but they represent two fundamentally different approaches to computing. The benchmark data reveals a clear split: the older 980X dominates in Cinebench rendering workloads, while the newer 4790T decisively wins in Geekbench, particularly in single-core tests. The 980X secures 6 out of 8 head-to-head benchmark wins, but the 4790T’s victories are substantial, including an 81% lead in Geekbench single-core. This makes the choice straightforward: the 980X is the rendering workhorse, while the 4790T is the more balanced, efficient performer for everyday and single-threaded tasks.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-980X is the clear winner for multi-threaded rendering and content creation. Across all three Cinebench versions (R15, R20, and R23), the 980X consistently outperforms the 4790T by roughly 7% in both single-core and multi-core tests. This is a direct result of its 6 cores and 12 threads, which provide more parallel processing power than the 4790T’s 4 cores and 8 threads. For users running CPU-intensive renders, video encodes, or other heavily threaded workloads, the 980X’s higher core count translates directly into faster completion times.

The Intel Core i7-4790T wins in Geekbench, which is a more general-purpose benchmark suite. Its Geekbench multi-core score of 3520 is 8.4% higher than the 980X’s 3247, and its Geekbench single-core score of 1193 is a massive 81% higher than the 980X’s 659. This indicates that the 4790T’s newer Haswell architecture is significantly more efficient at processing instructions per clock cycle. For typical desktop use—web browsing, office applications, and even gaming—the 4790T will feel snappier and more responsive due to its superior single-thread performance.

The power consumption difference is stark, though no wattage figures are available in the data. The 4790T has a TDP of 45, while the 980X has a TDP of 130. This means the 4790T is far more energy-efficient and will generate much less heat, making it suitable for compact or low-noise systems. The 980X, by contrast, requires a more robust cooling solution and power delivery system. The 4790T also includes Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics, while the 980X has none, meaning the 4790T can run a system without a discrete GPU.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Core i7-980X is faster in all Cinebench multi-core tests. It scores 584 in Cinebench R15, 2434 in R20, and 5797 in R23, compared to the 4790T’s 541, 2258, and 5378 respectively. This represents a consistent lead of approximately 7.2% to 7.4% for the 980X.

Q: Which CPU has better single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-4790T has vastly superior single-core performance in Geekbench. Its score of 1193 is 81% higher than the 980X’s 659. However, in Cinebench single-core tests, the 980X holds a smaller lead, scoring 82 versus 76 in R15 and 343 versus 318 in R20.

Q: How do their overall average benchmark scores compare?

A: The two processors are nearly identical in average benchmark score. The 4790T has an average score of 1755, while the 980X has an average score of 1746. Both sit at the 41st percentile among all CPUs, indicating they offer similar overall performance levels.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core i7-980X has 6 cores and 12 threads. The Intel Core i7-4790T has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Do these processors have integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core i7-4790T has integrated graphics, specifically the Intel HD 4600. The Intel Core i7-980X does not have any integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for video output.

Q: Which CPU is more power-efficient?

A: The Intel Core i7-4790T is significantly more power-efficient, with a TDP of 45 compared to the 980X’s TDP of 130.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking difference in the data is the Geekbench single-core test. The 4790T scores 1193, while the 980X scores 659. This is an 81% difference, the largest margin in any test. This indicates a massive generational leap in single-thread instruction efficiency. In contrast, the 980X wins every Cinebench test, but by a much smaller margin. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 980X scores 584 against the 4790T’s 541, a 7.4% difference. The R20 multi-core test shows a 7.2% gap (2434 vs 2258), and the R23 multi-core test also shows a 7.2% gap (5797 vs 5378).

The single-core Cinebench results are surprisingly close, with the 980X winning by about 7.3%. In R15, the score is 82 vs 76; in R20, it is 343 vs 318; and in R23, it is 818 vs 759. This suggests that while the 4790T has superior IPC in Geekbench’s workload, the 980X’s higher base clock of 3.33 GHz (versus 2.70 GHz) helps it in Cinebench’s specific rendering tasks.

The Geekbench multi-core test is the only other win for the 4790T. It scores 3520, which is 8.4% higher than the 980X’s 3247. This is interesting because the 980X has 50% more cores and threads. The 4790T’s superior per-core efficiency and higher boost clock of 3.90 GHz (versus 3.60 GHz) allow it to overcome the 980X’s core count advantage in this particular benchmark. Overall, the data shows a CPU that wins on raw multi-threaded rendering (980X) versus a CPU that wins on efficiency and general-purpose compute (4790T).

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specification fields. The most obvious difference is the core count: the 4790T has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the 980X has 6 cores and 12 threads. Their clock speeds also differ, with the 4790T having a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the 980X has a base clock of 3.33 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. The 4790T’s boost clock is 0.30 GHz higher, but its base clock is 0.63 GHz lower.

The thermal design power (TDP) is a major differentiator. The 4790T has a TDP of 45, while the 980X has a TDP of 130. This reflects the 4790T’s much newer 22 nm process node versus the 980X’s 32 nm node. The processor sockets are also incompatible: the 4790T uses Intel Socket 1150, while the 980X uses Intel Socket 1366. Memory support differs as well; the 4790T uses dual-channel DDR3 with a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the 980X uses triple-channel DDR3 with no listed memory bandwidth. The 4790T is also the only one with integrated graphics (Intel HD 4600) and supports PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the 980X only supports PCIe Gen 2.

The 4790T’s transistor count is 1,400 million on a die size of 177 mm², while the 980X has 1,170 million transistors on a larger 239 mm² die. The 4790T has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 980X has 12 MB of shared L3 cache. Both have the same 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 cache per core. Finally, the 980X has an unlocked multiplier, while the 4790T does not, making the 980X more overclocking-friendly.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two CPUs is substantial. The 4790T is based on the Haswell architecture, built on a 22 nm process, while the 980X is based on the older Westmere architecture (codename Gulftown), built on a 32 nm process. This process advantage allows the 4790T to pack more transistors (1,400 million) into a smaller die (177 mm²) compared to the 980X’s 1,170 million transistors on a 239 mm² die.

The cache hierarchy differs primarily in the L3 cache size. The 4790T has 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the 980X has 12 MB. The per-core L1 and L2 caches are identical at 64 KB and 256 KB respectively. The 980X’s larger L3 cache is beneficial for its 6-core design, providing more shared data storage for the additional threads.

The memory architecture is another key difference. The 4790T supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a listed bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The 980X supports triple-channel DDR3, which provides higher theoretical bandwidth, though no specific figure is listed in the data. The 4790T also features a more modern PCIe Gen 3 interface with 16 lanes, while the 980X is limited to PCIe Gen 2.

The 4790T includes an integrated GPU (Intel HD 4600), a feature entirely absent from the 980X. This makes the 4790T a complete system-on-chip solution, whereas the 980X requires a separate graphics card for any display output. The 980X is an unlocked processor, allowing for multiplier-based overclocking, while the 4790T is locked. These architectural differences explain the performance split: the 980X uses its extra cores and higher base clock for rendering, while the 4790T leverages its newer node and architecture for superior single-thread efficiency.

The Verdict

The choice between these two CPUs depends entirely on the primary workload. For users whose priority is multi-threaded rendering, the Intel Core i7-980X is the clear selection. It wins all six Cinebench tests, with multi-core leads ranging from 7.2% to 7.4%. Its 6 cores and 12 threads provide the raw parallel processing power necessary for video encoding, 3D rendering, and other heavily threaded applications. The 980X also offers an unlocked multiplier for enthusiasts willing to push its performance further.

For users who prioritize general desktop responsiveness, power efficiency, and modern features, the Intel Core i7-4790T is the better choice. Its 81% lead in Geekbench single-core performance indicates vastly superior per-core efficiency, making everyday tasks feel faster. Its 8.4% lead in Geekbench multi-core shows it can also handle multi-threaded workloads competently. The 4790T’s drastically lower TDP of 45 (versus 130) makes it far easier to cool and much cheaper to run. The inclusion of Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics means a system can be built without a discrete GPU, saving cost and space.

The data shows a fundamental trade-off. The 980X is a dedicated rendering powerhouse from an older era, while the 4790T is a modern, efficient, and balanced processor. The 4790T is the pragmatic choice for a general-purpose system. The 980X is the specialist’s tool, winning only in Cinebench rendering. Given that the 4790T also wins the Geekbench multi-core test, it demonstrates that its architectural efficiency can overcome the 980X’s core count advantage in non-rendering workloads. For most users, the 4790T’s blend of efficiency, integrated graphics, and superior single-thread performance makes it the more versatile and recommended processor.