Intel Core i5-4590
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i5-4590 Specifications
Core i5-4590 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i5-4590 features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i5-4590 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i5-4590 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i5-4590 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i5-4590 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i5-4590 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i5-4590's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Haswell Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i5-4590 is built on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i5-4590 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Haswell Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i5-4590 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i5-4590 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i5-4590 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 84W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel Socket 1150 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i5-4590 uses the Intel Socket 1150 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel Socket 1150 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i5-4590 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i5-4590 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i5-4590 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i5-4590 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i5-4590 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i5-4590 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i5-4590 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i5-4590 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i5-4590 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i5-4590 performs in parallel rendering workloads.
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Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i5-4590 handles tasks that can't be parallelized.
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cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i5-4590. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
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cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i5-4590. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
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cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i5-4590 after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
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cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i5-4590 maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
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geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i5-4590 across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.
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geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i5-4590 can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.
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passmark_data_compressionSource
Data compression measures how fast Intel Core i5-4590 can compress and decompress files. This is important for archiving, backup software, and file transfer applications. Higher scores mean faster ZIP, RAR, and backup operations. Software distribution and cloud storage services benefit from efficient compression performance.
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passmark_data_encryptionSource
Data encryption tests how fast Intel Core i5-4590 can encrypt information using AES and other algorithms. This is critical for security applications, VPNs, and secure communications. Modern CPUs with AES-NI hardware acceleration score significantly higher.
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passmark_extended_instructionsSource
Extended instructions tests Intel Core i5-4590 performance using SSE and AVX instruction sets. These specialized instructions accelerate multimedia, scientific, and AI workloads. Video encoding and image processing heavily utilize SIMD capabilities. Machine learning inference and scientific computing also benefit from strong SIMD performance.
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passmark_find_prime_numbersSource
Find prime numbers tests Intel Core i5-4590 ability to identify primes through intensive calculations. This is a pure computational benchmark that stresses CPU arithmetic units without memory bottlenecks.
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passmark_floating_point_mathSource
Floating point math measures how Intel Core i5-4590 handles decimal calculations critical for scientific computing and 3D rendering. This affects performance in CAD and physics simulations. Game physics engines also rely heavily on floating point operations. Scientific and engineering applications benefit significantly from higher floating point scores.
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passmark_integer_mathSource
Integer math tests how fast Intel Core i5-4590 processes whole number calculations essential for database operations and compression algorithms. This is fundamental to general computing performance. Encryption and data processing heavily rely on integer operations.
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passmark_multithreadSource
PassMark multi-thread tests Intel Core i5-4590 across integer math, floating point, compression, and encryption using all cores. This provides an overall multi-threaded CPU performance score. The combined result reflects general-purpose parallel computing capability.
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passmark_physicsSource
Physics tests how Intel Core i5-4590 handles physics simulations used in games and engineering software. This measures performance in calculating object interactions and movements. Games with complex physics benefit from higher scores. Engineering applications like structural analysis and fluid dynamics also rely on physics computation.
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passmark_random_string_sortingSource
Random string sorting measures how fast Intel Core i5-4590 can organize text data. This is important for database operations, search indexing, and data processing applications. Applications that process large amounts of text benefit from higher scores. Database servers and search engines rely heavily on efficient string manipulation.
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passmark_single_threadSource
PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i5-4590 across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications.
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passmark_singlethreadSource
PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i5-4590 across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications. Higher scores mean better system responsiveness in everyday use.
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About Intel Core i5-4590
The Intel Core i5-4590 is a 2014 desktop processor built on Intel's 22 nm Haswell architecture, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads with base and boost clocks of 3.30 GHz and 3.70 GHz respectively. It sits in the 68th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 8255. This places it as a solid mid-range performer of its era, though modern comparisons reveal a more nuanced picture.
Benchmark Performance
The i5-4590 delivers a mixed bag of results across synthetic workloads. In Cinebench R23, it scores 4567 in multi-core and 644 in single-core. The multi-core figure is respectable for a quad-core part, but the single-core score highlights the architectural age, newer designs with higher IPC and boost clocks leave it behind. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 1918 multi-core and 270 single-core, while R15 shows 460 multi-core and 64 single-core. These numbers scale consistently, indicating a balanced design without any throttling anomalies.
PassMark results further characterize the chip. The single-thread score of 2081 is modest, but integer math (15862) and floating-point math (12057) show reasonable throughput for a 4-thread part. Data compression hits 76800, while encryption scores 1353, the latter being a clear weak point, as AES workloads rely heavily on newer instruction sets. Extended instructions score 6133, and random string sorting reaches 10238. Physics simulation scores 402, and the multithread score is 5373. The find prime numbers test is notably low at 32, underscoring limits in certain computational patterns.
Against its nearest rivals, the data shows a tight cluster. The i5-4590 trails the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H by 0.5% in average score (8255 vs 8298). It edges out the Intel Core i5-6500 by 0.5% (8211 vs 8255). It also lags the Intel Core i7-1065G7 by 0.5% (8300 vs 8255) and the Intel Xeon D-2799 by 0.6% (8308 vs 8255). These deltas are minuscule, within noise for most workloads. However, the composition of scores matters: the i5-4590 achieves parity through raw clock speed on older architecture, while rivals like the Core Ultra 9 285H bring far higher efficiency and modern features. In single-threaded tasks, the gap would likely widen, but the aggregate scores mask that.
Platform and Compatibility
The i5-4590 uses the Intel Socket 1150 platform, which was the mainstream desktop socket for Haswell-generation processors. It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with no ECC support. The integrated graphics are Intel HD 4600, a capable iGPU for basic display output and light media tasks, though not suited for gaming. PCIe Gen 3 is supported, providing adequate bandwidth for period-appropriate GPUs and NVMe adapters (with BIOS support).
The upgrade path is limited to other Socket 1150 parts, namely, higher-tier Haswell Core i7 processors. However, the platform lacks modern features like PCIe Gen 4, DDR4/DDR5, and NVMe boot without workarounds. The 22 nm process node and 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die are typical for the era. The locked multiplier (unlocked: false) prevents overclocking, a significant constraint for enthusiasts. The 84 W TDP is moderate, but the architecture's efficiency is outdated compared to newer chips that deliver more performance per watt. For a modern builder, the platform is a dead end; for someone with existing DDR3 modules, it could still serve as a low-cost stopgap.
Who Should Consider It
The i5-4590's benchmark profile makes it a fit for specific, legacy-oriented use cases. For office productivity, word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, the single-thread score of 2081 and multithread score of 5373 are adequate for daily tasks, though the system will feel sluggish with many background tabs. The PassMark integer math score of 15862 suggests decent responsiveness in basic applications.
For gaming, the story is mixed. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 644 is low by modern standards, meaning CPU-bound titles will struggle. Older games from the 2010s will run fine, but newer releases that demand high IPC will bottleneck even modest GPUs. The integrated HD 4600 is not a gaming solution; a discrete GPU is mandatory. The multithread score of 5373 is sufficient for 4-thread-optimized games, but games using 6+ threads will suffer.
For content creation, the i5-4590 is not recommended. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 4567 is far behind even low-end modern processors, making video rendering or 3D work painfully slow. Data compression (76800) and floating-point math (12057) are passable for light batch tasks, but heavy rendering is out of scope. Encryption performance (1353) is a bottleneck for disk encryption workloads.
FAQ
Q: How does the i5-4590 compare to the Intel Core i5-6500?
A: The i5-4590 scores 8255 on average, which is 0.5% higher than the i5-6500's 8211. The difference is negligible, but the i5-6500 is a newer architecture (Skylake) with better IPC and memory support.
Q: Does the i5-4590 support overclocking?
A: No. The multiplier is locked (unlocked: false), so the base clock of 3.30 GHz and boost of 3.70 GHz are the maximum guaranteed values.
Q: What is the memory configuration for this processor?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: Is the integrated GPU suitable for gaming?
A: The Intel HD 4600 is present, but its performance is not suitable for modern gaming. It is adequate for basic display and video playback.
Q: What socket does the i5-4590 use?
A: It uses Intel Socket 1150, which is compatible with Haswell-generation desktop motherboards.
Q: How does it perform in single-threaded tasks?
A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score is 644, and PassMark single-thread is 2081. This is modest by modern standards, limiting performance in lightly-threaded applications.
How It Compares
vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285H: The i5-4590 trails the Core Ultra 9 285H by 0.5% in average score (8255 vs 8298). This parity is deceptive, the Core Ultra 9 is a mobile processor with far higher power efficiency and modern instruction sets, whereas the i5-4590 relies on older architecture and higher clocks to keep pace. In real-world multi-threaded or AVX-heavy workloads, the Core Ultra 9 would pull ahead significantly.
vs Intel Core i5-6500: The i5-4590 leads by 0.5% (8255 vs 8211). The i5-6500 is a direct successor on a newer platform, offering better IPC and DDR4 support, yet the older chip edges it out on aggregate benchmarks. This suggests the i5-4590's higher boost clock (3.70 GHz vs comparable values) compensates for architectural gains, but the i5-6500 remains the better long-term choice due to platform features.
vs Intel Core i7-1065G7: The i5-4590 trails the i7-1065G7 by 0.5% (8255 vs 8300). The i7-1065G7 is a low-power mobile chip with 4 cores and 8 threads, yet it still outpaces the desktop i5-4590 on average. The i5-4590's lack of hyper-threading is a clear disadvantage in multi-threaded benchmarks, despite its higher TDP.
vs Intel Xeon D-2799: The i5-4590 trails the Xeon D-2799 by 0.6% (8255 vs 8308). The Xeon D-2799 is a server-class processor with vastly more cores and memory bandwidth, but its aggregate score is only marginally higher. This reflects the benchmark weighting, which includes single-thread tests where the i5-4590's 3.70 GHz boost is competitive. In server workloads, the Xeon would dominate, but for desktop tasks, the gap is small.
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