The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high-performance processor that has been a popular choice among gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts for years. However, there has been some confusion surrounding its generation. Is the i7 4790K 4th generation or not? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Intel processors, explore the history of the Core i7 series, and finally answer this question once and for all.
A Brief History Of Intel Processors
To understand the generation of the i7 4790K, it’s essential to take a step back and look at the history of Intel processors. Intel’s Core series was first introduced in 2006, with the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors. These processors were built on the 65nm process and offered significant performance improvements over their predecessors.
Fast forward to 2008, Intel released the first-generation Core i series, which included the Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 processors. These processors were built on the 45nm process and introduced the Nehalem microarchitecture, which brought significant improvements in power efficiency and performance.
Over the years, Intel has continued to release new generations of Core i processors, each with its own set of advancements and improvements. Here’s a brief overview of the different generations:
- 1st Generation (2008): Nehalem microarchitecture, 45nm process
- 2nd Generation (2011): Sandy Bridge microarchitecture, 32nm process
- 3rd Generation (2012): Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, 22nm process
- 4th Generation (2013): Haswell microarchitecture, 22nm process
- 5th Generation (2015): Broadwell microarchitecture, 14nm process
- 6th Generation (2015): Skylake microarchitecture, 14nm process
- 7th Generation (2016): Kaby Lake microarchitecture, 14nm process
- 8th Generation (2017): Coffee Lake microarchitecture, 14nm process
- 9th Generation (2018): Coffee Lake Refresh microarchitecture, 14nm process
- 10th Generation (2019): Ice Lake microarchitecture, 10nm process
The 4th Generation Of Core I Processors
The 4th generation of Core i processors, codenamed Haswell, was released in 2013. This generation introduced several significant advancements, including:
- Improved power management, with a focus on reducing power consumption
- Enhanced graphics performance, with the introduction of Iris and Iris Pro graphics
- Improved CPU performance, with higher clock speeds and better IPC (instructions per clock)
The Haswell generation included several popular processors, including the Core i7-4770K, Core i7-4771, and Core i5-4670K.
The I7 4790K: A Unique Processor
Now, let’s talk about the i7 4790K. Released in 2014, the i7 4790K is a high-performance processor that was designed to be a Devil’s Canyon edition processor, which is a special category of processors that offer improved thermal interface material (TIM) and a more robust packaging. This makes them more suitable for overclocking and extreme performance.
The i7 4790K is based on the Haswell Refresh microarchitecture, which is a refinement of the original Haswell microarchitecture. It’s built on the 22nm process and has a TDP (thermal design power) of 88W.
Here are some of the key features of the i7 4790K:
- 4 cores, 8 threads
- Base clock speed: 4.0 GHz
- Turbo Boost clock speed: up to 4.4 GHz
- 8MB of cache memory
- Hyper-Threading technology
- Integrated HD Graphics 4600
Is The I7 4790K 4th Generation?
Now, let’s answer the question: is the i7 4790K 4th generation? The answer is a resounding yes. Although the i7 4790K was released in 2014, which is later than the initial release of the 4th generation Haswell processors, it is still based on the Haswell Refresh microarchitecture, which is a refinement of the original Haswell microarchitecture.
In other words, the i7 4790K is a 4th generation processor, but it’s a special variant that was released later in the product cycle. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as a “Haswell Refresh” or “Devil’s Canyon” processor, rather than a traditional 4th generation Haswell processor.
Performance Comparison: I7 4790K Vs. Other 4th Generation Processors
Now that we’ve established that the i7 4790K is a 4th generation processor, let’s take a look at its performance compared to other 4th generation processors.
| Processor | Base Clock Speed | Turbo Boost Clock Speed | Cache Memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| i7-4770K | 3.5 GHz | up to 3.9 GHz | 6MB |
| i7-4771 | 3.5 GHz | up to 3.9 GHz | 6MB |
| i7-4790K | 4.0 GHz | up to 4.4 GHz | 8MB |
As you can see from the table above, the i7 4790K has a higher base clock speed and Turbo Boost clock speed compared to other 4th generation processors. It also has a larger cache memory, which can improve performance in certain workloads.
Benchmarks: I7 4790K Vs. Other 4th Generation Processors
Let’s take a look at some benchmarks to see how the i7 4790K performs compared to other 4th generation processors.
| Processor | Cinebench R15 (Single-Core) | Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core) | 3DMark Fire Strike (Physics) |
|---|---|---|---|
| i7-4770K | 174 cb | 744 cb | 11,531 |
| i7-4771 | 174 cb | 744 cb | 11,531 |
| i7-4790K | 206 cb | 893 cb | 13,411 |
As you can see from the benchmarks above, the i7 4790K offers significantly better performance compared to other 4th generation processors. This is due to its higher clock speeds, larger cache memory, and improved thermal design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the i7 4790K is indeed a 4th generation processor, but it’s a unique variant that offers improved performance and thermal design compared to other 4th generation processors. Its higher clock speeds, larger cache memory, and improved thermal design make it an attractive option for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts.
If you’re in the market for a high-performance processor, the i7 4790K is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that it’s an older processor, and newer generations may offer even better performance and power efficiency.
Remember, when it comes to processors, the devil is in the details. Be sure to research and compare different processors before making a purchase, and always check the specifications and reviews to ensure you’re getting the best processor for your needs.
What Is The I7 4790K?
The i7 4790K is a high-performance desktop processor from Intel, part of their Core i7 series. It was released in 2014 as part of the Haswell Refresh lineup, which was an upgrade to the original Haswell series. The 4790K is a quad-core processor with hyper-threading, allowing it to handle up to eight threads simultaneously. This makes it well-suited for tasks that require heavy processing power, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
The i7 4790K has a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and can boost up to 4.4 GHz with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. It also features 8MB of cache memory and supports up to 64GB of DDR3 RAM. The processor has a TDP of 88W, which is relatively high compared to modern processors. However, this is due to its high performance capabilities and the fact that it was designed for heavy workloads.
Is The I7 4790K A 4th Generation Processor?
The i7 4790K is based on the 4th generation Core microarchitecture, also known as Haswell. However, it’s not entirely accurate to say it’s a 4th generation processor in the classical sense. While it uses the same microarchitecture as the original 4th generation Haswell processors, it was released as part of the Haswell Refresh lineup, which was an upgrade to the original Haswell series.
The Haswell Refresh lineup was a stopgap before the release of the 5th generation Broadwell processors. It was designed to offer improved performance and power efficiency over the original Haswell processors, while still using the same microarchitecture. Therefore, while the i7 4790K is based on 4th generation technology, it’s not exactly a 4th generation processor in the same vein as the original Haswell processors.
What Is The Difference Between The I7 4790K And The I7 4770K?
The i7 4790K and the i7 4770K are both high-performance desktop processors from Intel, but they have some key differences. The i7 4770K was part of the original Haswell lineup, released in 2013. It has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and can boost up to 3.9 GHz with Turbo Boost. In contrast, the i7 4790K has a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and can boost up to 4.4 GHz.
The main difference between the two processors is their clock speed and power consumption. The i7 4790K has a higher clock speed and TDP than the i7 4770K, making it more suitable for heavy workloads and overclocking. However, the i7 4770K is still a powerful processor and can handle demanding tasks, albeit at a lower level of performance.
Is The I7 4790K Good For Gaming?
The i7 4790K is an excellent choice for gaming, thanks to its high clock speed and quad-core design. It can handle demanding games at high frame rates, making it suitable for 144Hz and 4K gaming. Additionally, its hyper-threading capabilities allow it to handle multithreaded games and applications with ease.
However, it’s worth noting that the i7 4790K is more than sufficient for gaming, and a mid-range graphics card would be a better bottleneck. Moreover, modern processors have more cores and threads, making them more efficient for gaming. But if you’re looking for a processor that can handle demanding games and other tasks, the i7 4790K is still a great option.
Can The I7 4790K Be Overclocked?
Yes, the i7 4790K can be overclocked, thanks to its unlocked multiplier. This allows users to increase the processor’s clock speed beyond its stock speeds, making it even more suitable for demanding tasks and applications. However, overclocking requires careful tuning of the processor’s settings, including the clock speed, voltage, and cooling.
Overclocking the i7 4790K can result in significant performance gains, but it also increases the risk of overheating and damage to the processor. Therefore, it’s essential to use high-quality cooling solutions and to monitor the processor’s temperatures and power consumption carefully.
Is The I7 4790K Still Worth Buying In 2023?
While the i7 4790K is an old processor, it’s still a powerful option for those who need a high-performance processor for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. However, it’s essential to consider the age of the processor and its limitations compared to modern processors.
In 2023, there are more modern and efficient processors available, offering better performance and power efficiency. If you’re building a new system, it’s recommended to consider newer options. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or want to upgrade an existing system, the i7 4790K can still be a good choice.
Is The I7 4790K Compatible With Modern Motherboards?
The i7 4790K is compatible with motherboards that use the LGA 1150 socket and support the 4th generation Core microarchitecture. However, modern motherboards may not support this processor due to changes in the socket and chipset designs.
When building a system with the i7 4790K, it’s essential to choose a motherboard that is specifically designed for this processor and its socket. You may also need to check the motherboard’s compatibility with the processor’s power requirements and cooling solutions.