Intel Core i5-4590T

The Intel Core i5-4590T is an end-of-life desktop processor built on the Haswell architecture for the Intel Socket 1150 platform. This 22 nm part integrates four physical cores with four threads, a base clock of 2000.00 MHz, and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz. It carries a 35 W TDP, making it a low-power variant of the Core i5 lineup, and its 6 MB of shared L3 cache positions it as a mid-range offering from its generation. The data shows an average benchmark score of 1342, placing it at the 36th percentile among all CPUs, which indicates a modest overall performance tier.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance reveals a processor that is balanced but constrained by its low clock speeds. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 487, while the multi-core score is 3454. This represents a ratio of roughly 7.1:1 between multi and single-threaded results, which is typical for a quad-core part without hyper-threading. The single-thread score of 487 is relatively low in absolute terms, reflecting the 2000.00 MHz base clock, though the boost to 3.00 GHz helps close some of the gap. For real workloads, this means tasks that rely heavily on one or two threads—such as older games or lightly threaded productivity apps—will see performance limited by that 487-point ceiling.

Conversely, the multi-thread results show the benefit of having four dedicated cores. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1450 and the R15 result of 348 both indicate that the processor can scale reasonably when workloads are spread across all cores, but it will not match processors with higher clocks or additional threads. The Geekbench scores echo this trend: a single-core score of 911 versus a multi-core score of 2540. The multi-core advantage is roughly 2.8 times the single-core figure, which is consistent with a four-core, four-thread design. For modern workloads that are increasingly multi-threaded, the i5-4590T will deliver usable but not stellar performance, especially when compared against newer architectures.

The behavioral takeaway is clear: this is a chip that handles parallelizable tasks adequately, but its single-thread performance is the bottleneck. In spreadsheet work, web browsing, or light coding, the 911 Geekbench single-core score will dictate responsiveness. In rendering or video encoding, the multi-core scores show headroom, but the absence of hyper-threading means the four threads are all you get. The data suggests a processor that is best suited for background tasks or lightly threaded applications, where its low power draw can be leveraged without demanding peak throughput.

Who Should Consider It

Given the benchmark profile, the i5-4590T is not a gaming processor by modern standards. The single-core Cinebench R23 score of 487 is far below what contemporary titles require for high frame rates, and the integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics further limit gaming viability. Users seeking a gaming rig should look elsewhere, as the data shows no evidence of competitive gaming performance. However, for office productivity and general desktop tasks, the processor is serviceable. The Geekbench multi-core score of 2540 indicates it can handle document editing, email, and web-based applications without significant lag, provided the software is not overly demanding.

For content creation, the picture is mixed. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1450 suggests that light photo editing or audio processing is feasible, but heavy video rendering or 3D modeling will strain the four threads. The 3454 Cinebench R23 multi-core score places it in a low tier for such workloads, so it is only suitable for hobbyist-level creation, not professional use. The processor's 35 W TDP makes it an attractive option for compact or silent builds where thermal output is a priority, such as home servers or always-on media PCs. In those scenarios, the low power draw outweighs the modest performance.

The nearest rivals provide context for who might choose this chip. It sits within 1% of the Intel Core i3-9100TE, i5-4670, and i5-7400T in average score, meaning it is interchangeable with those parts for most workloads. The i3-9100TE, despite being a lower-tier product, matches the i5-4590T within 0.4%, so users considering a low-power office build could choose either without a noticeable difference. The i5-4670, a higher-clocked non-T variant, is only 0.7% ahead, which shows that the T-series power savings come at a minimal performance cost in this comparison. This processor is for users who prioritize low heat and noise over raw speed.

Benchmark Performance

Benchmark results indicate that the i5-4590T is tightly clustered with its nearest rivals, showing no significant performance leader. Against the Intel Core i3-9100TE, the i5-4590T trails by 0.4%, with average scores of 1342 and 1347 respectively. This is a negligible margin, effectively making the two chips equal in real-world use. The comparison to the Intel Core i5-4670 shows a 0.7% deficit for the 4590T, with the 4670 scoring 1351. This small delta is surprising given the 4670's higher clock speeds, but the T-series part compensates with its architecture and cache configuration.

The most favorable comparison is against the Intel Atom x7425E, where the i5-4590T leads by 0.7%, scoring 1342 versus 1333. This is a modest win, but it confirms that the quad-core Haswell design outperforms a newer Atom part in aggregate benchmarks. The margin is too small to recommend one over the other based on performance alone, so other factors like platform support would be decisive. Against the Intel Core i5-7400T, the 4590T trails by 0.9%, with the 7400T scoring 1354. This is the largest delta in the rival group, yet still under 1%, indicating that generational improvements from Haswell to Kaby Lake did not yield major gains for this low-power segment.

In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 3454 and single-core score of 487 give a clear picture of where the chip stands. The multi-core result is about 7 times the single-core result, which is a typical scaling factor for four cores. The Geekbench multi-core score of 2540 is lower than the Cinebench figures suggest relative to other CPUs, but the single-core score of 911 aligns with the R23 single-core result. The average benchmark score of 1342, derived from all tests, places it in the 36th percentile, meaning it outperforms roughly a third of all CPUs in the database. Overall, the data shows a processor that is neither a standout nor a laggard, sitting comfortably in the middle of its peer group.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core i5-4590T?

A: The average benchmark score is 1342, which places it at the 36th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How does the i5-4590T compare to the Intel Core i5-4670?

A: The i5-4590T trails the i5-4670 by 0.7%, with average scores of 1342 and 1351 respectively.

Q: What is the single-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score is 487, while the multi-core score is 3454.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The processor supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the i5-4590T?

A: The launch MSRP is $192.

Q: How does the i5-4590T fare against the Intel Atom x7425E?

A: The i5-4590T leads the Atom x7425E by 0.7%, scoring 1342 versus 1333.

Power and Thermals

The Intel Core i5-4590T is classified with a 35 W TDP, which is a defining characteristic of this processor. This low thermal design power is achieved through a base clock of 2000.00 MHz and a boost clock of 3.00 GHz, which are modest figures for a quad-core part. The 22 nm process node helps keep power consumption in check, and the 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die contribute to efficient operation. For cooling, this TDP class implies that a capable air cooler is sufficient, and even a low-profile or stock cooler should handle the thermal load without issue.

The data does not include specific thermal measurements, but the 35 W TDP suggests that this processor is well-suited for small form factor builds or fanless configurations. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means users cannot overclock to increase power draw, so the thermal envelope remains predictable. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics add to the overall package, but they do not materially change the cooling requirements. In practice, the 35 W TDP is a major selling point for this chip, as it allows for quiet operation and reduced heat output compared to standard desktop processors.

The nearest rivals provide a point of reference for power efficiency, though their TDPs are not listed in the data. The i5-4590T's low TDP likely makes it more efficient than the i5-4670, which is a non-T variant, but the benchmark scores are nearly identical. This suggests that users can achieve similar performance with significantly less power draw, which is a compelling trade-off for certain applications. The end-of-life production status means availability is limited, but for those seeking a low-power quad-core for a dedicated server or HTPC, the 35 W TDP is a key advantage.