Intel Core i7-4790S

The Intel Core i7-4790S is a 4-core, 8-thread desktop processor from the Haswell architecture, built on a 22 nm process. It operates with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz, and its benchmark results place it in the 45th percentile of all CPUs tested. The data reveals a processor whose average benchmark score of 1909 sits in a tight cluster with its nearest rivals, indicating a performance tier where small percentage differences define the competitive landscape.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i7-4790S delivers a multi-core score of 598 in Cinebench R15, 2494 in Cinebench R20, and 5939 in Cinebench R23. Single-core results follow with 84, 351, and 838 points in the respective Cinebench versions. In Geekbench, the processor scores 3765 multi-core and 1204 single-core. These figures position the chip at the 45th percentile, meaning it outperforms roughly 45% of all CPUs in the database, a modest standing for a desktop i7.

The average benchmark score of 1909 is nearly identical to its closest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE, which scores 1910, a delta of just -0.1%. This effectively places the two processors in a statistical tie. Against the Intel Xeon E5-2620 v3, also at 1910, the i7-4790S trails by the same 0.1%, a negligible margin. Conversely, it edges out the Intel Core i7-1180G7, which scores 1908, by 0.1%, and the Intel Xeon E-2314, scoring 1905, by 0.2%. These deltas are remarkably small, suggesting that within this performance band, architectural differences and clock speeds yield almost no practical advantage.

Looking at the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5939, the processor demonstrates its capability in sustained rendering tasks, though the single-core score of 838 indicates a more limited per-thread performance. The gap between these scores, roughly a 7:1 ratio in favor of multi-core, highlights that the i7-4790S is better suited for parallel workloads than for lightly-threaded tasks. The Geekbench single-core score of 1204 reinforces this, showing that while the processor holds its own in multi-threaded scenarios, its single-thread performance lags behind more modern designs.

Power and Thermals

The i7-4790S carries a TDP of 65 watts, which is a notable characteristic for a desktop processor of its era. This power envelope is lower than typical high-end desktop chips, suggesting that the "S" suffix indicates a power-optimized variant. The 65-watt TDP implies that a capable air cooler is sufficient for maintaining operational temperatures, as the processor is not designed to push extreme thermal limits.

The 22 nm process node, with 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die, contributes to this efficiency. The data shows a processor that balances performance with power consumption, making it suitable for compact builds or systems where cooling is a consideration. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics further reduce the need for a discrete GPU in basic configurations, though the thermal implications of this are modest given the 65-watt envelope. In practice, this TDP class suggests that users can expect quiet operation with standard cooling solutions, without the need for elaborate liquid cooling or high-end air towers.

How It Compares

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE: The i7-4790S trails this rival by 0.1% in average score, with the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE scoring 1910 versus 1909. This is a negligible difference, effectively placing both processors in the same performance tier. The Ryzen part likely benefits from a more modern architecture, but the benchmark data shows no practical winner here.

Intel Xeon E5-2620 v3: This server-class processor also scores 1910, putting the i7-4790S 0.1% behind. The Xeon E5-2620 v3 is a 6-core part in its full configuration, but the benchmark average suggests that in these specific tests, the i7-4790S's higher clocks on fewer cores compensate for the core count disadvantage. The delta is too small to draw strong conclusions about real-world superiority.

Intel Core i7-1180G7: The i7-4790S edges ahead of this rival by 0.1%, with scores of 1909 versus 1908. The 1180G7 is a much newer, low-power mobile chip, yet the older desktop part manages to slightly outperform it on average. This suggests that the i7-4790S's higher boost clock and desktop power budget provide a marginal edge in sustained workloads.

Intel Xeon E-2314: The i7-4790S leads this rival by 0.2%, scoring 1909 against 1905. The Xeon E-2314 is a 4-core, 4-thread processor, and the i7-4790S's additional threads via Hyper-Threading likely contribute to this small advantage. The delta, while small, is the largest among the nearest rivals, indicating a slightly more consistent performance lead.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Core i7-4790S?

A: The average benchmark score is 1909, placing it in the 45th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the i7-4790S compare to the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE?

A: The i7-4790S trails the Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE by 0.1%, with scores of 1909 versus 1910.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 65 watts, indicating a power-optimized desktop part.

Q: Does the i7-4790S support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; the processor uses dual-channel DDR3 memory.

Q: What integrated graphics does this CPU include?

A: It includes Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the i7-4790S?

A: The launch MSRP is $312.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The benchmark data reveals a pronounced split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 5939 is approximately 7.1 times the single-core score of 838. This ratio is typical for a 4-core, 8-thread processor, where the multi-core advantage comes from parallel execution across all logical processors. The Geekbench results show a similar pattern: 3765 multi-core versus 1204 single-core, a ratio of about 3.1, which is lower than Cinebench due to different workload characteristics.

This behavior implies that the i7-4790S excels in workloads that can utilize all 8 threads, such as video rendering, 3D modeling, or batch processing. In these scenarios, the processor's multi-core scores are competitive with its nearest rivals, as evidenced by the tight deltaPct values. However, in single-threaded tasks like older games or legacy software, the processor's single-core scores are less impressive, potentially leading to bottlenecks. The 4.00 GHz boost clock helps mitigate this, but the architectural age of Haswell limits its per-clock efficiency compared to newer designs.

For users, this means the i7-4790S is a capable multi-tasking processor but may feel dated in single-thread-heavy applications. The data suggests a balanced approach: it handles well-threaded productivity software with ease, yet struggles to match modern chips in responsiveness for lightly-threaded workloads.

Who Should Consider It

The Intel Core i7-4790S is best suited for users whose primary workloads are multi-threaded. In content creation, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5939 indicates solid performance for video editing, 3D rendering, and photo batch processing. The processor's 8 threads allow for efficient parallel processing in these applications, making it a reasonable choice for entry-level creators on a tight platform budget.

For gaming, the single-core score of 838 in Cinebench R23 and 1204 in Geekbench suggest that the processor may be a limiting factor in modern titles that rely heavily on single-thread performance. The 45th percentile overall placement reinforces this, as many current CPUs outperform it in gaming benchmarks. However, for older or less demanding games, the 4.00 GHz boost clock provides adequate performance.

Office and productivity tasks, such as spreadsheets, word processing, and web browsing, are well within the processor's capabilities. The multi-core scores ensure smooth multitasking across multiple applications, and the 65-watt TDP allows for quiet, efficient operation in office environments. The integrated HD 4600 graphics can handle basic display output without a discrete GPU, reducing system cost and power draw.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-4790S uses the Intel Socket 1150, which is specific to the Haswell generation. This socket supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The processor does not support ECC memory, limiting its use in server or error-correcting environments. The PCIe support is Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, providing adequate bandwidth for a single high-end graphics card or multiple lower-bandwidth devices.

The platform's upgrade path is limited, as Socket 1150 was superseded by newer sockets in subsequent Intel generations. Users on this platform are essentially at the end of its lifecycle, with the i7-4790S being one of the higher-end options available. The production status is end-of-life, meaning availability is limited to the used or refurbished market. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics support basic display outputs, but for gaming or GPU-accelerated workloads, a discrete graphics card is necessary given the PCIe Gen 3 x16 bandwidth available.

The 22 nm process node and 65-watt TDP make this a relatively efficient platform for its time, but the lack of modern features like DDR4 memory support or PCIe Gen 4 limits its future-proofing. For users already on Socket 1150, the i7-4790S represents a solid upgrade over lower-tier i5 or i3 parts, but for new builds, the platform's age is a significant drawback.