Intel Core i5-4690S

The Intel Core i5-4690S is a locked quad-core desktop processor from the Haswell generation, launched on April 30, 2014, with a launch MSRP of $224. Its average benchmark score of 1560 places it at the 40th percentile among all CPUs, indicating a mid-pack performance tier that remains relevant for basic computing but is far outpaced by modern designs. The data reveals a processor defined by strong single-threaded efficiency for its era, constrained by its lack of hyper-threading and older architecture.

Benchmark Performance

The i5-4690S delivers a multi-core score of 4648 in Cinebench R23, which drops to 1952 in Cinebench R20 and 468 in the older Cinebench R15 test. Single-core results show similar scaling: 656 in R23, 275 in R20, and 66 in R15. Geekbench scores of 3251 multi-core and 1163 single-core round out the picture. These figures indicate a processor that performs best in lightly-threaded tasks, where its 3.90 GHz boost clock can be fully utilized.

Relative to its nearest rivals, the i5-4690S is statistically tied with the AMD Opteron 6276, showing a 0% deltaPct and an identical average score of 1560. Against the Intel Core i5-6600T, it trails by a negligible 0.1%, with rival scores of 1561 versus 1560. The Intel Atom x7835RE is essentially equal at 1558 (0.1% delta), while the Intel Core i3-8300 posts 1557, a 0.2% gap. These tiny margins mean the i5-4690S sits in a performance cluster where no single rival holds a decisive advantage in aggregate scoring.

However, the benchmark breakdown shows the i5-4690S is not a multi-threading powerhouse. Its 4-core, 4-thread configuration limits parallel performance, as evidenced by the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 4648, which is only modestly above what a modern dual-core with hyper-threading might achieve. The single-core score of 656 in R23 is comparatively stronger, reflecting the efficiency of the Haswell architecture at lower power envelopes.

Power and Thermals

The i5-4690S carries a 65W TDP, placing it in the mainstream desktop power class. This is a modest figure for a quad-core processor, particularly one built on Intel's 22 nm process node with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The low TDP means the processor generates relatively little heat under load, allowing it to be cooled effectively by a capable air cooler without requiring high-end liquid cooling solutions.

The 65W class also implies the processor can operate within the thermal constraints of compact desktop systems and small-form-factor builds. Benchmark results indicate that the processor sustains its boost clock of 3.90 GHz without excessive thermal throttling in typical workloads, though sustained all-core loads may cause clocks to settle slightly below the maximum. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics further adds to the thermal load, but the overall package remains manageable for standard desktop cooling.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-4690S uses the Intel Socket 1150 platform, which was designed for the Haswell generation. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a maximum bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, and does not support ECC memory. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single discrete graphics card but limits multi-GPU configurations.

The socket is now legacy, meaning upgrade paths are restricted to other Socket 1150 processors from the same era. This limits future-proofing, as newer platforms require a motherboard change. The lack of an unlocked multiplier (multiplierUnlocked: false) prevents overclocking, so users cannot extract additional performance beyond the factory boost clock. The processor's part number is SR1QP, and it integrates Intel HD 4600 graphics, which provides basic display output for systems without a discrete GPU.

How It Compares

vs AMD Opteron 6276: The i5-4690S matches the Opteron 6276 exactly with a 0% deltaPct and identical average scores of 1560. This is remarkable given the Opteron is a server-class chip, but the i5-4690S achieves parity with far fewer cores and threads, highlighting the efficiency of Haswell cores versus older AMD designs.

vs Intel Core i5-6600T: The i5-4690S trails the i5-6600T by 0.1%, a margin of just 1 point in average score (1560 vs 1561). The i5-6600T, being a newer Skylake part, offers slightly better IPC, but the difference is within noise and unlikely to be perceptible in real-world use.

vs Intel Atom x7835RE: The i5-4690S leads the Atom x7835RE by 0.1% (1560 vs 1558). This is a surprising result given the Atom is a low-power embedded chip, but the i5-4690S's higher clock speeds compensate for the Atom's newer architecture and lower power draw.

vs Intel Core i3-8300: The i5-4690S beats the i3-8300 by 0.2% (1560 vs 1557). The i3-8300 is a newer Coffee Lake dual-core with hyper-threading, yet the i5-4690S's four physical cores provide a slight aggregate advantage, though the i3-8300 would likely win in single-threaded workloads.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i5-4690S exhibits a pronounced difference between single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score of 656 represents roughly 14% of the multi-core score of 4648, which is typical for a quad-core without hyper-threading. This indicates that the processor scales well across its four physical cores, but the lack of additional threads limits peak multi-threaded throughput.

For real workloads, this means the i5-4690S excels at tasks that rely on high clock speeds and low latency, such as web browsing, office productivity, and older games that primarily use one or two cores. The 3.90 GHz boost clock ensures responsive performance in these scenarios. Conversely, modern games that leverage multiple cores will see diminishing returns, and content creation tasks like video rendering will be slower than on processors with hyper-threading or more physical cores.

The Geekbench single-core score of 1163 versus multi-core of 3251 confirms this pattern, with roughly 36% efficiency scaling. This is moderate for a quad-core, indicating that the processor can use its cores effectively but is bottlenecked by the absence of additional threads. The 66 Cinebench R15 single-core score is particularly telling, as it places the i5-4690S below many modern dual-core processors in raw single-threaded performance, despite its higher clock speed.

Who Should Consider It

The i5-4690S is best suited for users with basic computing needs where single-threaded performance dominates. Office applications, spreadsheet work, and web browsing will run smoothly, and the 65W TDP allows for quiet, efficient operation in small desktops. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics can handle video playback and light 2D workloads without a discrete GPU, making it a viable option for budget office builds.

For gaming, the i5-4690S can run older titles and esports games at playable frame rates, particularly when paired with a mid-range graphics card. However, modern AAA games that require more than four threads will struggle, and the lack of overclocking limits headroom. The 40th percentile ranking confirms that this processor is below the median for all CPUs, so it is not recommended for demanding workloads.

Creative professionals working with video editing, 3D rendering, or large data processing should look elsewhere, as the multi-core scores (4648 in Cinebench R23) are insufficient for these tasks. Similarly, users who multitask heavily with many background applications will find the 4-thread limit constraining. The i5-4690S is a legacy part best suited for secondary systems, home theater PCs, or as a drop-in replacement for a failing processor on an existing Socket 1150 motherboard.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Core i5-4690S?

A: The average benchmark score is 1560, which places it at the 40th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How does the i5-4690S compare to the Intel Core i5-6600T?

A: The i5-4690S trails the i5-6600T by 0.1% in average score, with 1560 versus 1561.

Q: What memory type does the i5-4690S support?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s and does not support ECC memory.

Q: Does the i5-4690S have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so the processor cannot be overclocked beyond its factory boost clock of 3.90 GHz.

Q: What is the TDP of the i5-4690S and what cooling does it require?

A: The TDP is 65W, which allows it to be cooled by a standard air cooler without high-end liquid solutions.

Q: What integrated graphics does the i5-4690S include?

A: It includes Intel HD 4600 graphics, which can handle basic display output and light graphical tasks.