Intel Core i5 4690K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£35
  • PassMark benchmark result: 5689
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.9 GHz

Intel Core i5 4690K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

9.6

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.0

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.4

Platform

1.0%

6.3

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2307)
amazon
4.2
(12)
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.7

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.0
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 4690K

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.0

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.4

Platform

1.0%

6.3

Integrated Graphics

4.3
Intel Core i5 4690K has a technical score of 4.33 points, which is lower than that of 70.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2307)
amazon
4.2
(12)
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.6
Intel Core i5 4690K has a user score of 9.58 points, which is higher than that of 96% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i5 4690K has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.4
Intel Core i5 4690K has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is higher than 49.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 4690K belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1150
Intel Core i5 4690K uses the LGA1150 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 56.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.8% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

H97, Z97, H87, Q87, B85, Q85, Z87, H81
Intel Core i5 4690K supports H97, Z97, H87, Q87, B85, Q85, Z87, H81 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 52.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 4690K uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i5 4690K has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i5 4690K offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 4690K offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.9 GHz
Intel Core i5 4690K reaches a boost clock of 3.9 GHz which is lower than that of 65% of processors and equal to that of 3.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.5 GHz
Intel Core i5 4690K has a base clock of 4x3.5 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i5 4690K uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i5 4690K is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i5 4690K has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i5 4690K has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i5 4690K has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i5 4690K supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i5 4690K supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i5 4690K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1,600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i5 4690K supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 4690K includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 4600
Intel Core i5 4690K uses the Intel HD Graphics 4,600 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 65.7% and equal to that in 2.9%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

20
Intel Core i5 4690K has 20 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 51.6% of processors and equal to 4.4% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 4690K has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 4690K supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 58.1% of processors and equal to 1.3% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

88 W
Intel Core i5 4690K has a TDP of 88 W which is higher than that of 88% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

88 W
Intel Core i5 4690K has a base power of 88 W which is higher than that of 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

88 W
Intel Core i5 4690K has a boost power of 88 W which is higher than that of 57.6% of processors and equal to that of 6.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

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Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 4690K does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 4690K vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i5 4690K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 4690K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 4690K includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 4690K includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 4690K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 4690K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i5 4690K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 4690K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 19.7% higher user score
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.58 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.58 vs 8,000).9.58 vs 8
  • 7.14x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 4690K is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 4690K is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).£35 vs £250
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i5 4690K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 4690K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 4690K includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 6 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 4690K has an older release date than the average processor (2014 vs 2020).
    June 2,014
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 4690K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older TPM support
    Intel Core i5 4690K supports an older TPM version than the average processor (TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2.0).
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 4690K does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 46% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,689 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 11.9% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,187 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 11.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,305 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 23.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,663 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i5 4690K 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.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 4690K 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.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 4690K has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 4690K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i5 4690K uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 4690K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 95.6% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 4690K 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.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 4690K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 95.6% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a higher TDP than the average processor (88 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 37.5% higher boost power
    Intel Core i5 4690K 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.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 4690K 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
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 4690K does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 4690K does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 95.6% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 4690K 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.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 4690K 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
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 4690K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i5 4690K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i5 4690K has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Intel Core i5 4690K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 4690K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

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digitalfoundry.net
26/07/2015

Digital Foundry's review of Intel's "Devil's Canyon" processors highlights the Core i5-4690K and i7-4790K as refined Haswell chips featuring improved thermals and higher stock speeds. The i7-4790K, with its 4.0GHz base clock, provides top-tier performance for heavy workloads and gaming, while the i5-4690K remains a strong, high-value option, despite only a modest 100MHz speed...Read more

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hexus.net
20/06/2014

The Hexus review of the Intel Core i5-4690K "Devil's Canyon" highlights it as a minor, enthusiast-focused evolution of the Haswell architecture, featuring a 3.5GHz base/3.9GHz Turbo clock—a 100MHz increase over the i5-4670K. Key physical updates include improved Next-Generation Polymer Thermal Interface Material (NGPTIM) for better cooling and enhanced capacitors for improved power...Read more

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bit-tech.net
03/07/2014

The Intel Core i5-4690K "Devil’s Canyon" is a 22nm quad-core processor for the LGA1150 socket, offering a 100MHz speed boost over the 4670K with enhanced Thermal Interface Material (TIM) and capacitors for improved stability. Pros include better thermal management and significant overclocking headroom, with gaming benchmarks showing roughly 10% improvement over older models. Cons...Read more

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tomshardware.com
29/07/2014

The Tom's Hardware review highlights the Pentium G3258 "Anniversary Edition" as a budget-friendly, unlocked dual-core processor capable of achieving a 4.5 GHz overclock on an affordable ASRock H81M-HDS motherboard, negating the need for expensive Z-series boards. This combination delivers exceptional value-for-money, providing strong single-threaded performance that rivals...Read more

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tomshardware.com
10/06/2014

The Intel Core i7-4790K "Devil's Canyon" acts as a high-end, 4th-gen Haswell refinement, boasting a significant 4.0 GHz base clock and improved thermals via a new Polymer Thermal Interface Material (NGPTIM). While pros include top-tier, out-of-the-box quad-core performance and enhanced power delivery, the CPU serves mostly as a factory-overclocked 4770K with limited extra...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
07/09/2014

The Intel Core i5-4690K "Devil's Canyon" processor, a refined 22nm Haswell-architecture chip for enthusiasts, features four cores, a 3.5 GHz base clock, and a 3.9 GHz turbo boost. Addressing previous overheating issues, the 4690K incorporates improved Thermal Interface Material (TIM) and additional capacitors for more stable power delivery. Performance tests highlight the...Read more

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computerbase.de
12/07/2026

In a July 2014 review, ComputerBase analyzed the Intel Core i5-4690K ("Devil's Canyon"), a four-core Haswell refresh featuring a 3.5 GHz base and 3.9 GHz turbo clock. The processor aimed to improve upon the i5-4670K by introducing improved Thermal Interface Material (TIM) and additional capacitors for more stable overclocking, while providing roughly 2% better gaming performance....Read more

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overclocking.com
03/11/2014

The Overclocking.com review positions the Intel Core i5-4690K ("Devil’s Canyon") as a refined 4-core/4-thread processor targeting budget-conscious enthusiasts, featuring improved Thermal Interface Material (TIM) and additional capacitors to address previous high-temperature issues. Performance-wise, it offers a modest 100MHz increase over the i5-4670K, operating at a 3.5GHz base and...Read more

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overclocking.com
03/11/2014

The Intel Core i5-4690K "Devil's Canyon" is a 22nm, 3.5 GHz quad-core processor featuring 6MB of L3 cache, serving as a non-Hyper-Threaded, more efficient alternative to the i7-4790K. The review notes enhanced thermal interface material and extra capacitors improve heat management and power stability over the previous i5-4670K, allowing for substantial overclocking, with many units...Read more

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hardzone.es
23/05/2014

The Intel Core i7-4790K and i5-4690K "Devil’s Canyon" processors were listed as a Haswell refresh featuring a significant factory speed bump to 4.0 GHz and 3.5 GHz base clocks, respectively. These chips were designed for high performance, with the i7-4790K reaching up to 4.4 GHz turbo to address thermal complaints from previous iterations. Key improvements include enhanced Thermal...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
26/08/2014

El Chapuzas Informático reviews the Intel Core i5-4690K ("Devil's Canyon"), a 4-core, 4-thread processor running at 3.5 GHz (3.9 GHz Turbo), highlighting improved thermal interface material (NGPTIM) and extra capacitors for better stability. The review notes strong overclocking potential, with units reaching 4.5–4.8 GHz, delivering significant performance gains over the stock...Read more

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hardware.info
18/01/2015

Hardware.info's 2015 review, "Build your own mini PC 2015: smaller is finer," highlights the rise of high-performance, compact Mini-ITX systems that, with careful component selection, rival traditional desktop capabilities. Advantages included extreme space efficiency and portability, ideal for minimalist setups or VESA-mounted "pseudo-all-in-one" configurations. However,...Read more

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nl.hardware.info
09/10/2014

The Alternate ROG Ranger, based on the ASUS Maximus VII Ranger (Z97) motherboard, is a high-performance, cost-effective gaming desktop. It delivers strong productivity in PCMark 7 and includes premium features like SupremeFX audio and Intel Gigabit Ethernet. Key advantages include excellent overclocking capabilities reaching 4.6GHz, the feature-rich ROG UEFI BIOS, and a 10Gbps M.2...Read more

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tweakers.net
01/01/2015

The Tweakers January 2015 Desktop Best Buy Guide outlines tailored configurations across Mini-ITX, Basic, Mainstream, and High-end categories, emphasizing a compact, high-performance Mini-ITX gaming build. The guide prioritizes component longevity, utilizing an MSI motherboard with superior MOSFET quality over competitors, and selects components designed for future upgradeability....Read more

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tweakers.net
01/09/2014

The September 2014 Tweakers Desktop Best Buy Guide focuses on three, community-vetted gaming systems—budget, mainstream, and high-end—designed to provide optimal price-to-performance ratios at that time. The Mainstream Gaming System is praised for achieving high 1080p performance with balanced components, though the rapidly evolving hardware market meant components could quickly...Read more

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hardware.info
13/06/2026

The Hardware.Info review of the Intel Core i7-4790K and i5-4690K ("Devil’s Canyon") highlights these processors as a significant refresh of the Haswell architecture, featuring the "Next-Generation Polymer Thermal Interface Material" (NGPTIM) to improve thermal conductivity and extra capacitors for stable power delivery. The flagship i7-4790K achieves a 4.0 GHz base clock, offering...Read more

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nl.hardware.info
23/05/2015

The Hardware.info megatest of 57 processors highlights a clear divide between Intel and AMD in web performance, with Intel leading in Mozilla Kraken benchmarks due to superior single-core efficiency and optimized JavaScript execution. Intel's architecture excels in single-threaded tasks and offers lower power consumption, but trails in integrated graphics performance. Conversely,...Read more

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tweakers.net
04/04/2015

The Intel Core i5-4690K "Devil's Canyon" processor is highlighted in the Tweakers review as a highly capable quad-core CPU, noted for its strong overclocking potential, achieving 4.6 GHz, and stable performance. The CPU, featuring a 3.5 GHz base clock, is described as excellent for gaming and everyday tasks. Improvements in thermal management, specifically via better thermal...Read more

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hardware.info
13/06/2026

The Intel Core i7-4790K and i5-4690K ("Devil's Canyon") processors, reviewed on Hardware.Info, offer a refined Haswell architecture, featuring an improved Next-Generation Polymer Thermal Interface Material (NGPTIM) and extra capacitors for better stability. The i7-4790K is highlighted as the first to hit a 4.0 GHz base clock, while the i5-4690K provides a 100MHz boost over its...Read more

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