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Intel Core i5-4690K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£35PassMark multi-core score:5689N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:3.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA1150TDP (Thermal design power):88 W

Intel Core i5-4690K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-4690K

6.5/10

▼Worse than 57% of processors

7.5

▲Better than 60%

4.6

▼Worse than 69%

7.8

▲Better than 61%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

3.4
Gaming
Gaming
3.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
3.7
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
3.9
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
4.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.6
L3 cache
8.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
2.6
Video editing
Video editing
2.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
3.4
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.1
CPU threads
15.0%
1.6
L3 cache

Where to buy

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-4690K

Based on 4 · 11

Reviewers call it great value with solid overclocking potential, but criticise its limited thread count and higher power draw.

Praised

Mixed views

Criticised

Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-4690K

Based on 139 owners sharing their experience in online comments

55%positive20%mixed25%negative

Owners value its long life and overclocking, but aging cores bring weak performance and stutters in newer games.

What owners like

Still plays many recent games at 60 fps or higher on medium to high settings when paired with a mid-range GPU like an RX 580 or GTX 1660.36
Overclocks reliably, with owners reporting stable air-cooled clocks around 4.4 GHz and water-cooled or delidded chips reaching 4.6 to 4.9 GHz.27
Owners report years of reliable daily use, with many machines still running well a decade after building them.23
Owners say it delivers solid gaming performance for a low price, especially compared with the Core i7 version.5
Owners with decent air or water cooling report safe temperatures, usually in the 50s°C under load at stock or moderate overclocks.5
Owners pair it with strong graphics cards like the RX 6700 XT or RTX 3070 and report good frame rates, though it can limit high-end cards.3
Owners say it handles everyday tasks, web browsing and light multitasking without trouble.3

What owners dislike

In newer or demanding games, owners see stutters and frame drops, especially in open-world or heavy-combat scenes.33
Some owners who built a PC with this chip report no power, no display, or a "no signal" message, often tied to RAM or motherboard setup.8
Some owners report random crashes, blue screens and restarts, especially when overclocked or running heavy games.6
Under load, especially when overclocked, owners report temperatures around 90 to 100°C, and a loose cooler mount can cause overheating.5
Owners report that overclocking to around 4.5 GHz or higher can cause lockups, blue screens, and in one case a burned motherboard VRM.5
Owners say the stock cooler gets loud under load, and some report loud fans with aftermarket coolers too.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-4690K

6.5

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Platform

7.4

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Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

Instruction sets

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Performance

4.3

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

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What reviewers say

Architecture

4.0

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

4.5

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

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Integrated graphics

6.3

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

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Power & Thermal

6.4

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

Tau (power duration limit)

?

Configurable TDP

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What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-4690K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5-4690K better than the average processor?

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Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
16.4% higher review score
Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
80%
7.6
Average grade
20%
8.9
Popularity
Grades by review (14)
5 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 9 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
7.8 vs 6.7
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i5-4690K is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250

16.4% higher review score
Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
80%
7.6
Average grade
20%
8.9
Popularity
Grades by review (14)
5 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 9 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
7.8 vs 6.7
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i5-4690K is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250

Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.

Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.

Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.

Why is Intel Core i5-4690K worse than the average processor?

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50.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,689 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
5,689 vs 11,469
83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
11.4% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
4 fewer CPU threads
This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4 vs 8
95.6% higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (88 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
88 W vs 45 W

Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
6 years older release date
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2014 vs 2020).
June 2014
2014 vs 2020
More limited crypto acceleration
This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
AES vs AES, SHA
Older TPM support
This processor supports an older TPM version than the average processor (TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2).
TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2.0

50.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,689 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
5,689 vs 11,469
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
11.4% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
4 fewer CPU threads
This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4 vs 8
No simultaneous multithreading
This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
14.5% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,187 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
2,187 vs 2,558
29.7% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,663 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
3,663 vs 5,209
15% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,305 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
1,305 vs 1,535
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s

83.3% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
22 nm vs 12 nm
66.7% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
1 MB vs 3 MB
50% less L2 per core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
Less advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
Haswell vs Kaby Lake
18.9% less L3 per core
This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
33.3% smaller L1 cache
This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
256 KB vs 384 KB
71.7% fewer transistors
This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion
33.3% smaller L3 cache
This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
6 MB vs 9 MB
Less advanced foundry
This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm

50% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
1,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
45.4% lower memory bandwidth
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
25.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Older DDR support
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
DDR3 vs DDR4
Lower JEDEC memory speed
This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR3-1,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
50% less memory capacity
This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
32 GB vs 64 GB
Limited PCIe bifurcation
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4

Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)

No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
95.6% higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (88 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
88 W vs 45 W
95.6% higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (88 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
88 W vs 45 W
37.5% higher boost power
This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (88 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
88 W vs 64 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0

RememberThisTech

≈ estimated

08/03/2025

Hands-on test · gaming benchmarks at 1080p and 1440p

Verdict

The i5-4690K holds back modern gaming, so upgrading the CPU is the better move.

8.0

Rasekh-TechBenchmarkX

≈ estimated

27/08/2023

Hands-on review · 10 games with a GTX 1060

Verdict

Intel Core i5-4690K is still a very capable gaming chip for 2023, though it often runs near full load.

7.0

Techo Mode

≈ estimated

24/08/2023

Hands-on review · overclocked benchmarks and gaming tests

Verdict

Intel Core i5-4690K is still playable at 1080p in 2023, but not worth buying for a new build.

4.0

Techo Mode

≈ estimated

10/04/2023

Hands-on test · benchmarks, stress tests and gaming

Verdict

The i5-4690K is still playable in some games at low settings, but not recommended for building a new PC in 2023.

5.0

Iceberg Tech

≈ estimated

13/03/2023

Benchmark review · 10 games tested in 2023

Verdict

The i5-4690K's four threads are no longer enough for modern AAA games, though esports performance remains surprisingly good.

7.0

The Tech Lab

≈ estimated

24/08/2025

Benchmark test · Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 6 results

Verdict

Intel Core i5-4690K is a dated chip with limited performance, but a reasonable pick for tight budgets and light tasks.

8.0

Cheap Bastard

≈ estimated

25/06/2022

Game benchmarks · ten titles tested at 1080p

Verdict

Intel Core i5-4690K is still a solid chip, though it pairs best with mid-range graphics cards like the GTX 1060.

Not graded

Not graded

Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0

hexus.net

≈ estimated

20/06/2014

Review: Intel Core i5-4690K Devil's Canyon (22nm Haswell)

Benchmark review · Devil's Canyon CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-4690K is a small upgrade on the i5-4670K, best suited to enthusiasts building a new PC, with better thermal material and steadier voltage.

7.0

digitalfoundry.net

≈ estimated

26/07/2015

Devil's Canyon: Core i5 4690K and Core i7 4790K review

Hands-on test · Gaming frame rates

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-4690K matches the i7-4790K in games that use few cores, but trails it in titles that use more cores, even when overclocked.

9.0

pcgameshardware.de

≈ estimated

19/07/2014

Tests Devil's Canyon unter 200 Euro: Intel Core i5-4690K im Test [Test

Lab test · Overclocking and gaming

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-4690K is the pick for gamers who plan to overclock, stable at 4.4 GHz with a small voltage increase, though it lacks Hyper-Threading.

7.0

overclocking.com

≈ estimated

03/11/2014

Intel Core i5-4690K Review: Stock vs. 4.6GHz Overclock

Lab test · Power and voltage

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-4690K is a quad-core that is faster than the i5-4670K but draws more power at full load, best for buyers who put speed ahead of efficiency.

tweakers.net

01/09/2014

Desktop-BBG: September 2014

Not graded yet

Read full review →

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-4690K

Excellent overclocking potential with stable performance up to 4.5GHz
Strong gaming performance, especially for esports and older titles
Improved thermal interface material (TIM) leads to better operating temperatures compared to previous Haswell chips
Reliable and stable for everyday multitasking and general productivity
Easy to install with widely compatible LGA 1150 socket motherboards
Great value-for-money alternative to the more expensive i7-4790K for gaming-focused builds

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-4690K

Lacks hyper-threading, which limits performance in modern CPU-intensive applications and games
Only features 4 cores and 4 threads, which can cause bottlenecks in newer AAA titles (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077)
Poor multitasking and slow rendering speeds for heavy workloads like video editing or 3D rendering
Stock cooler is often considered inadequate for overclocking and can be loud under load
Performance gains are very minor (approx. 100MHz) when upgrading from the previous i5-4670K

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-4690K, part of the 4th Generation 'Devil's Canyon' lineup, is a quad-core processor featuring 4 cores and 4 threads with a 3.5 GHz base frequency and a 3.9 GHz max turbo speed. Built on a 22nm process for the LGA 1150 socket, it includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports DDR3-1300/1600 memory, and has an 88W TDP. Its primary advantages include an unlocked multiplier for high overclocking potential (often reaching 4.5 GHz+), solid single-core performance for mid-range gaming, and improved thermal interface material for better heat management compared to earlier Haswell chips. However, its main drawbacks are the lack of Hyper-Threading, which limits multi-threaded multitasking, and its status as an older platform that lacks support for modern DDR4/DDR5 memory and PCIe standards.

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