Intel Core i5-4670K

The Intel Core i5-4670K is a desktop processor from Intel's Haswell generation, released in June 2013. It packs 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 3.40 GHz and a boost clock of 3.80 GHz. Built on a 22 nm process with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die, it includes 6 MB of shared L3 cache and an Intel HD 4600 integrated GPU. Its average benchmark score is 1654, placing it in the 41st percentile of all CPUs. The multiplier is unlocked, making it a candidate for enthusiast overclocking on the Intel Socket 1150 platform.

How It Compares

The i5-4670K's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B, which posts an average benchmark score of 1652. The Intel part is 0.1% higher, a margin so thin it falls within run-to-run variance. In practical terms, the two processors deliver indistinguishable overall performance, making the choice between them a matter of platform preference rather than raw speed.

Against the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U, the i5-4670K trails by 0.2%. The Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U averages 1657, just five points ahead. That delta is negligible in real-world workloads, and the i5's single-core and multi-core scores (as seen in Cinebench R23: 669 single, 4743 multi) suggest it holds its own in both light and moderately threaded tasks.

The Intel Core i7-4810MQ, a mobile quad-core, also sits 0.2% ahead with an average score of 1658. Despite being a laptop chip, it edges out the desktop i5-4670K by a hair. The i5's 4-thread limit and older Haswell architecture account for the small deficit, but the gap is not meaningful for most applications.

The i5-5675R, another Intel part, averages 1648 — 0.3% lower than the i5-4670K. This puts the 4670K slightly ahead of its closest Intel rival. With all four competitors within a 0.3% band, the i5-4670K is effectively tied with each of them in average performance, reinforcing its position as a mid-range quad-core of its era.

Power and Thermals

The i5-4670K has a TDP of 84 watts, a figure that defines its cooling requirements. This is a moderate power envelope for a quad-core desktop processor, and it implies that a standard tower air cooler is sufficient for stock operation. The 22 nm process node helps keep power dissipation in check, though the unlocked multiplier means overclocking will push thermals higher. Enthusiasts who plan to raise clocks beyond the 3.80 GHz boost will need a more robust cooling solution, but the base TDP alone does not demand exotic liquid cooling. The integrated Intel HD 4600 GPU adds its own thermal load, but it shares the same package and does not alter the 84 W rating. In a typical desktop chassis, the i5-4670K runs within comfortable limits under stock settings, and its power draw is low enough to be handled by mainstream motherboards and power supplies.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-4670K uses Intel Socket 1150, a platform that supports DDR3 memory in dual-channel mode. The memory controller does not support ECC, so the chip is aimed at consumer and enthusiast builds rather than error-correcting server workloads. PCIe Gen 3 is provided, which is sufficient for the graphics cards of its generation. The integrated Intel HD 4600 GPU provides basic display output without a discrete card, making the chip usable for office or media builds out of the box. The unlocked multiplier is a key feature, allowing overclocking via the motherboard's BIOS. The 22 nm process and 1,400 million transistors are indicative of the Haswell architecture's maturity. The chip's release date of June 2013 places it at the start of the Haswell lineup, and the socket 1150 platform offers a range of compatible motherboards. For users seeking an upgrade path, the same socket supports later Haswell Refresh parts, though the data does not specify which models. The dual-channel DDR3 support limits memory bandwidth compared to newer platforms, but it remains adequate for the processor's performance class.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core i5-4670K?

A: The TDP is 84 watts.

Q: How many cores and threads does the i5-4670K have?

A: It has 4 cores and 4 threads.

Q: What are the base and boost clock speeds?

A: The base clock is 3.40 GHz and the boost clock is 3.80 GHz.

Q: Does the processor include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, it features Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics.

Q: What type of memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory in dual-channel mode, without ECC.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing users to adjust clock speeds.

Who Should Consider It

The i5-4670K is a solid choice for users who need a balanced quad-core processor for everyday tasks and light productivity. Its 41st percentile ranking indicates it sits in the lower half of all CPUs, but its performance is on par with the nearest rivals — all within 0.3% of each other. For office work, web browsing, and spreadsheet applications, the single-core Cinebench R23 score of 669 provides ample responsiveness. The multi-core score of 4743 in the same test suggests it can handle moderate multi-threaded workloads, such as photo editing or compiling small projects, without significant bottlenecks.

Gamers building a system on a budget will find the i5-4670K adequate for older titles and less demanding eSports games, where single-thread performance matters most. The integrated HD 4600 GPU can drive basic displays, but a discrete graphics card is recommended for gaming. Content creators who rely on heavy rendering or video encoding will likely be disappointed by the 4-thread limit; the multi-core scores are modest by modern standards. However, for users targeting the performance class of the Ryzen Embedded V1605B or the Ryzen 5 PRO 2500U, the i5-4670K delivers equivalent overall results. The unlocked multiplier offers headroom for enthusiasts to push clocks higher, potentially closing the small gap to the slightly faster rivals. In summary, the i5-4670K is best suited for general-purpose desktops, light gaming, and overclocking hobbyists who value a mature platform with a large ecosystem of compatible parts.